Thermomechanical Testing Device for Burn-Through Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for thermomechanical testing of fire-resistant materials lack repeatability and precision in determining burn-through resistance, making it difficult to objectively assess and compare different materials for fire protection applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for thermomechanical testing that involves subjecting a test specimen to a high-speed thermal mass flow while continuously measuring the force applied, allowing for the determination of a force-time profile and burn-through resistance, which includes temperature and momentum measurement, and synchronized data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-world testing methods with human observation are used, then the testing setup is simple, but the measurement precision and repeatability are very poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination of burn-through resistanceVSAvoidtesting arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual human observation with automated measurement systems including force sensors, temperature sensors, and data acquisition systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with automated sensing and data processing equipment directly improves measurement precision while accepting increased device complexity as a necessary trade-off for objective, repeatable results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If continuous force measurement is implemented, then the repeatability and objectivity increase, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeatability of testingVSAvoidmeasurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous force measurement during the thermal mass flow exposure, creating a feedback loop where real-time data is captured and recorded. This feedback mechanism enables objective assessment of burn-through resistance and significantly improves test repeatability, as the same conditions can be reproduced and measured consistently across multiple tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces force sensors and data acquisition systems as intermediary elements between the thermal mass flow and the test specimen. These intermediaries enable precise measurement and recording of the forces applied during testing, providing objective data that improves reliability and repeatability while necessitating additional device components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed force-time profile determination is performed, then the assessment accuracy improves, but the data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburn-through resistance determinationVSAvoiddata acquisition system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs continuous force measurement throughout the entire exposure duration, capturing the complete force-time profile rather than discrete snapshots. This continuous data collection provides comprehensive information about the burn-through process, improving assessment accuracy by capturing the full temporal evolution of forces applied to the test specimen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables precise, repeatable, and cost-effective testing of materials for fire protection, allowing for accurate determination of burn-through resistance and ignition time, facilitating objective comparison and pre-selection of materials.

Implementation Method 1

the test specimen is subjected to a high-speed thermal mass flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal mass flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a force acting on the test specimen by the subjection is continuously determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4529613B1Method for thermomechanically testing a test object, and testing device for same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 AMTAS GMBH
  • EP4529613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4529613B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP4529613B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for thermomechanically testing a test object (50), which is supplied with a high-speed thermal mass flow (22). The invention additionally relates to a testing device (10) for thermomechanically testing the test object (50), comprising a mounting (30) with a receiving section (32) and supplying means (20) for providing the high-speed mass flow (22).