Polyimide Inner Structure Fireproof Flexible Hose Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fireproof hoses used in fire suppression systems face challenges with flexibility, weight, and thermal conductivity, as silicone rubber ablates under fire exposure, metal sleeves are too rigid, and thermal insulation reduces flexibility and adds weight, necessitating a lightweight, flexible, and effective fireproof solution.
Innovation Solution
A fireproof flexible hose design featuring an inner polyimide structure with good fireproofing and temperature-resistant characteristics, which does not require thermal isolation, combined with a convoluted outer structure for flexibility and mechanical support, and optional filler materials for enhanced mechanical reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal insulation layers are added to protect internal components from fire, then fireproofing performance is improved, but flexibility and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thermal insulation layer from the hose structure by using polyimide material that inherently withstands high temperatures without requiring additional insulation. The polyimide liner itself becomes the fire-resistant component, eliminating the need for separate insulation layers and their associated weight and flexibility penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyimide, a high-performance composite material that combines fire resistance, thermal stability, and flexibility in a single component. This material integrates the functions of both the liner and thermal insulation into one element, resolving the contradiction between fireproofing and flexibility.
2Reliability
If thermal insulation layers are added to protect internal components from fire, then fireproofing performance is improved, but weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the separate thermal insulation layer by using polyimide material that inherently resists high temperatures. This removes the additional weight that would be required for insulation layers while maintaining fireproofing performance through the material's intrinsic thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional polymers to polyimide, which has superior thermal stability and fire resistance. This material substitution provides the necessary fireproofing performance without the weight penalty of thick insulation layers, as polyimide maintains structural integrity at high temperatures.
3Reliability
If silicone rubber is used for fire sleeves, then fireproofing is achieved, but the material ablates under direct fire exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicone rubber to polyimide, which has superior thermal stability and fire resistance. Polyimide maintains its structural integrity and does not ablate under direct fire exposure, providing sustained fireproofing performance while protecting internal components throughout the required exposure period.
4Strength
If metal sleeves are used for structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility is lost due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a convoluted outer structure that provides mechanical support while maintaining flexibility. The convoluted design allows the structure to bend and flex as needed for installation and operation, while still providing the necessary structural integrity and fire resistance without the rigidity of solid metal sleeves.
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 hose can operate at 2000°F for at least 15 minutes without compromising function, maintaining flexibility and mechanical integrity, while preventing fire exposure to internal components and ensuring efficient fluid transport.
Implementation Method 1
The polyimide has good fireproofing and temperature resistant characteristics and, unlike other polymers, does not need to be thermally isolated when the hose is exposed to direct fire
Implementation Method 2
The outer structure may have a convoluted shape to ensure flexibility of the overall hose assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are fireproof flexible hoses, aircraft having fire suppression systems including such fireproof flexible hoses, and methods of forming such fireproof flexible hoses. A fireproof flexible hose includes an inner structure and an outer structure at least partially enclosing and directly interfacing the inner structure. The inner structure forms an inner surface of the fireproof flexible hose and includes a polyimide at least at the inner surface. The polyimide has good fireproofing and temperature resistant characteristics and, unlike other polymers, does not need to be thermally isolated when the hose is exposed to fire. The outer structure may be made from metal and/or non-metal and may provide mechanical support to the inner structure. The outer structure may have a convoluted shape to ensure flexibility of the overall hose assembly. In some examples, a set of gaps may be present between the outer and inner structures for additional flexibility.