Porous Fireproofing Article with Density Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fireproofing materials have limited improvements and struggle to balance fireproofing ability with structural strength and material efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A fireproofing article comprising a porous external portion with a lower material density and a porous inner portion with a higher material density, both made of fireproofing material, manufactured using 3D printing, which provides enhanced fireproofing ability while maintaining structural integrity through a hexagonal honeycomb structure and incorporating flame retardants like Sulfonated Polystyrene derivatives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the material density of fireproofing material is reduced to improve fireproofing ability, then the structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefireproofing abilityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct regions within the fireproofing article: an external portion with lower material density (higher porosity) for superior fireproofing performance, and an inner portion with higher material density (lower porosity) for structural support. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction by assigning different density characteristics to different functional zones within the same article.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure by combining two fireproofing material portions with different density characteristics. The external portion uses a more porous, lower-density material optimized for fire resistance, while the inner portion uses a denser material optimized for mechanical strength. The composite structure allows both fireproofing ability and structural strength to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional fireproofing materials are used to maintain structural strength, then fireproofing ability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfireproofing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent overcomes the limitations of conventional uniform fireproofing materials by implementing local quality differentiation. The external portion is designed with lower material density and higher porosity specifically where fire exposure occurs, maximizing fireproofing ability. The inner portion maintains higher density for structural integrity. This localized optimization allows the article to achieve superior fireproofing performance without compromising overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10486003B2Fireproofing article and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US10486003B2 patent drawing
  • US10486003B2 patent drawing
  • US10486003B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention relates to a fireproofing article and the method of manufacturing the same. The fireproofing article comprises an external portion and an inner portion. The external portion defines external surfaces of the fireproofing article that are exposed to the environment. The inner portion is formed inside of the external portion. The external portion and the inner portion are both porous and made of a fireproofing material. The external portion has a first material density and the inner portion has a second material density. The first material density is less than the second material density. The method of manufacturing a fireproofing article comprises forming the fireproofing article with a fireproofing material through 3D printing; wherein the fireproofing article formed is porous.