Two-Component Spray Foam Device with Forced Mixer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection foam systems, particularly two-component mixtures, face issues with storage stability, inhomogeneous mixing, and difficulty in application due to viscosity differences between components, leading to incomplete sealing and inadequate fire protection in both new and retrofitted constructions.

Innovation Solution

A two-component spray foam application device using separate pressure cans for polyisocyanate and polyol components with finely divided flame retardants, featuring a holder and dispensing aid with adjustable bores to match viscosities and a compulsory mixer for on-site, one-handed operation, ensuring stable storage and homogeneous mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If larger quantities of fire-resistant materials are added to the foams, then fire protection effectiveness is improved, but storage stability deteriorates and sedimentation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection effectivenessVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fire protection foam system is divided into two separate components stored in different pressure cans: Component A (polyisocyanate) and Component B (polyol with mineral flame retardants). This segmentation prevents the mineral additives from sedimening during storage while allowing effective fire protection when mixed and applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flame retardant materials are pre-loaded into Component B in finely divided form suspended in polyol, ready for immediate use. The components are prepared separately with optimal formulations, and mixing occurs automatically at the point of application through the forced mixer, ensuring both storage stability and fire protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If two-component cartridge foams are used to separate components, then storage stability is improved, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates due to viscosity differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidmixing homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The application device incorporates a forced mixer with rotors and stators that dynamically mix Components A and B during dispensing. The mixing intensity and efficiency are optimized to handle the viscosity differences between the low-viscosity polyisocyanate and high-viscosity polyol with mineral additives, ensuring homogeneous mixing throughout the application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses different bore sizes for the two components in the application aid (0.3-2.0 mm for Component A, 1.5-4.0 mm for Component B) to adapt to their respective viscosities. This parameter adjustment ensures that both components are delivered in the correct proportions and mixed homogeneously, overcoming the viscosity mismatch problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If mechanical application is used to compensate for viscosity differences, then application capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder device serves multiple functions: it stores both pressure cans, provides forced mixing through rotors and stators, controls dispensing through a trigger mechanism, and adapts to different viscosities through adjustable bore sizes. This multi-functionality integrates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single unified system that is both capable and relatively simple to use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The application device merges the storage cans, mixing mechanism, dispensing control, and application aid into a single integrated holder system. The pressure cans, hoses, forced mixer, and application aid with different bore sizes are combined into one unit that operates through a single trigger mechanism, simplifying the overall system while maintaining application capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of substance

If cartridges are designed to be completely emptied, then material utilization is improved, but viscosity increase towards the end prevents complete emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial utilizationVSAvoidcomplete emptying
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The forced mixer continuously agitates both components during dispensing, preventing viscosity increase and sedimentation even as the cans are emptied. The dynamic mixing action maintains consistent flow characteristics throughout the entire application process, allowing the cartridges to be completely emptied without the viscosity problems that plague static systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Ease of operation

If one-handed operation is enabled for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but mixing control may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidmixing control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-mixing through the forced mixer mechanism that automatically activates when the trigger is pulled. The operator simply needs to press the trigger with one hand, and the system automatically draws both components through hoses, mixes them in the forced mixer, and dispenses the foam. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual mixing control while maintaining precise mixing ratios through the designed bore sizes and pressure balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system allows for quick, easy, and professional sealing of joints and wall openings, providing effective fire protection by ensuring complete mixing and efficient foam application, even in existing constructions, while maintaining component stability and preventing premature reaction.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure can with a component A containing a polyisocyanate and a first propellant component, a second pressure can with a component B containing at least one flame retardant in finely divided form suspended in a polyol component, and a second propellant component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a forced mixer which mixes components A and B when the application aid is activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

the at least one flame retardant is expandable graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

the at least one flame retardant is expandable graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3137391B1Application device for a solid-filled pu foam
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an application device for a two-component spray foam for fire protection, comprising a first pressure canister having a component A, containing a polyisocyanate and a first propellant-gas component, a second pressure canister having a component B, containing at least one flameproofing agent in a fine-particle form, suspended in a polyol component, and a second propellant-gas component, a retainer for the first and the second pressure canister, wherein the retainer has a valve receptacle for each of the pressure canisters, and a dispensing aid for the spray foam, which is connected to the valve receptacles for the pressure canisters by means of hose lines, such as a forced mixer, which mixes components A and B while the dispensing aid is activated.