Heat-Protected Fluid Line Structure for Flame and Abrasion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid lines lack sufficient flame resistance, particularly in the engine compartment of motor vehicles, where they are exposed to high temperatures and mechanical stress, leading to potential leaks or damage from abrasion and thermal stress.

Innovation Solution

A fluid line production method involving a heat protection layer with a combination of a thermal insulation layer and a metallic heat conducting layer, where the heat conducting layer is formed by wrapping a plastic film web with a metal layer or metal wire around the base body, providing enhanced thermal conductivity and insulation to prevent heat transfer and mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional single-layer plastic structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the flame resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic layers with metallic heat-conducting layers and heat-insulating layers to create a multi-layer structure. This composite construction provides both flame resistance through the metallic and insulating layers while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid line is segmented into multiple functional layers: an inner plastic layer for fluid containment, metallic heat-conducting layers for thermal management, and heat-insulating layers for thermal protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while contributing to overall flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a multi-layer heat protection structure is added, then the flame resistance increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the formation of metallic heat-conducting layers and heat-insulating layers into a single extrusion process. The extrusion device simultaneously forms both layer types in one operation, reducing manufacturing steps while achieving the required multi-layer heat protection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extrusion device is designed to self-regulate the formation of different layer types through its multi-layer extrusion die. The device automatically controls the positioning and thickness of metallic and insulating layers without requiring complex post-processing or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If metallic heat-conducting layers are added, then the thermal conductivity improves, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies metallic heat-conducting layers selectively in specific regions where thermal management is most critical. The heat-conducting layers are positioned to provide thermal pathways where needed, while heat-insulating layers are placed in regions requiring thermal protection, optimizing material usage and cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method significantly increases the flame resistance and mechanical durability of the fluid line, allowing it to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress while maintaining flexibility and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

the sheathing layer has at least one heat insulation layer and at least one metallic heat-conducting layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

at least one sheathing layer designed as a heat protection layer is applied to the base body, the sheathing layer having at least one heat insulation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3946923B1Method for producing a fluid line, and corresponding fluid line
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 AFT AUTOMOTIVE
  • EP3946923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3946923B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3946923B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a fluid line (1) for a fluid, which comprises a main body (2) having at least one layer (5, 6, 7, 8) consisting of plastic. According to the invention, at least one sheath layer formed as a heat protection layer (9) is applied to the main body (2), which sheath layer has at least one thermal insulation layer (10) and at least one metal thermal conduction layer (11), the thermal conduction layer (11) having a plastic film web (12) wrapped around the main body (2) and a metal layer (13) applied to the plastic film web (12) before the wrapping of the main body (2), or the thermal conduction layer (11) having at least one metal wire (16) wrapped around the main body (2), which metal wire is provided with a coating before the wrapping of the main body (2). The invention further relates to a fluid line (1) for a fluid.