Phase-Change Fire Seal Composition for Extreme Heat Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire seals used in high-temperature environments are expensive and lack long-term durability due to their inability to withstand harsh operating conditions, including high temperatures, ignition, and exposure to various fluids.

Innovation Solution

A fire seal comprising a fire-resistant bulk material and phase-changing materials with distinct phase transition temperatures, supported by the bulk material, which absorbs heat and maintains pressure tightness through latent-heat conversion and internal compression stress, while also incorporating nano-clay and other additives for enhanced diffusion barriers and thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional fire seal materials are used, then sealing function is provided, but they cannot withstand long-term exposure to high temperatures and harsh operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term durabilityVSAvoidwithstand high temperature exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fire seal uses a composite material system consisting of a bulk material matrix combined with dispersed phase-changing material particles. This composite structure allows the bulk material to provide structural integrity and fire resistance while the phase-changing material particles absorb excess heat through phase transitions, enabling the seal to withstand long-term exposure to high temperatures without degradation or burn-through.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If current fire seal materials are used, then initial sealing performance is achieved, but they are not capable of managing excessive temperatures and contain its damaging effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management capabilityVSAvoidtemperature damage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fire seal incorporates phase-changing material particles that undergo phase transitions (such as melting or solidification) at specific temperatures. When exposed to excessive heat, these particles absorb large amounts of thermal energy during the phase change process, effectively managing and containing the damaging effects of high temperatures. The phase-changing material acts as a thermal buffer, preventing temperature spikes that would otherwise cause burn-through or degradation of the bulk material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of excessive heat into a beneficial thermal management mechanism. The phase-changing material particles absorb excess thermal energy that would otherwise damage the fire seal, transforming the harmful high-temperature exposure into a controlled phase transition process. This converts the thermal stress from a destructive force into a protective mechanism that actively manages temperature and protects the bulk material from thermal degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If traditional fire seal materials are used, then basic fire resistance is provided, but they are expensive and lack cost-effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fire seal implements local quality by dispersing phase-changing material particles throughout the bulk material matrix rather than using a homogeneous expensive material throughout. The phase-changing particles are strategically positioned to provide thermal management where needed, while the bulk material provides structural support. This localized approach to enhanced fire resistance allows the use of more cost-effective bulk materials combined with smaller amounts of specialized phase-changing materials, improving overall cost-effectiveness while maintaining reliable fire resistance.

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 solution effectively manages excessive temperatures, prevents burn-through, and maintains sealing integrity under extreme conditions, extending the operational life of fire seals and reducing material degradation, thereby enhancing their performance and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a phase-changing material supported by the bulk material, the phase-changing material having a phase transition temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 2

the phase-changing material having a phase transition temperature. The fire seal further includes a second phase-changing material supported by the bulk material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

maintains pressure tightness through latent-heat conversion and internal compression stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20240017101A1Fire seals for high temperature and extreme environments

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A fire seal includes a bulk material and a phase-changing material supported by the bulk material. The bulk material of the fire seal is fire resistant.