当前申请(专利权)人：
RESPONSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
原始申请(专利权)人：
RESPONSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
当前申请(专利权)人地址：
537 Main Street,Coventry, RI 02816 US
发明人：
PETTEY, DAVID, ALLEN | BARD, EDMUND, F. | VANG, LAO
摘要：
A fuel cell containing fuel for an aircraft includes an innermost layer configured to contact the fuel, an outermost layer and a containment gel formed from isocyanate and polyol interposed between the innermost and outermost layers. The containment gel is configured to self-seal a ballistically formed hole therein, thereby reducing leakage of the fuel from the fuel cell.
技术问题语段：
The technical problem addressed in this patent is the need for a liquid leakage barrier that is lightweight, has a longer lifespan, and avoids the drawbacks of existing rubber-based sealing liners. The invention proposes a containment gel formed from isocyanate and polyol that can self-heal and seal a ballistically formed hole in a fuel cell, reducing leakage of the fuel.
技术功效语段：
The patent is about a new type of containment gel that can be used in fuel cells for aircraft. This gel is designed to prevent leakage of liquid from the fuel cell if it is punctured by a projectile. The gel can self-heal and seal the hole caused by the puncture, reducing the amount of liquid that leaks. The new gel has several advantages over existing rubber-based sealing materials, including a reduced weight penalty and an enhanced operating lifespan. The patent also describes an aircraft with fuel cells and a gearbox containing the new gel.
权利要求：
What is claimed is:
1. A fuel cell containing fuel for an aircraft comprising: an innermost layer configured to contact the fuel; an outermost layer; and a containment gel formed from isocyanate and polyol interposed between the innermost and outermost layers, the containment gel configured to self-seal a ballistically formed hole therein, thereby reducing leakage of the fuel from the fuel cell.
2. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the isocyanate is in a range between 18 percent and 20 percent by weight of a total containment gel formulation weight.
3. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the isocyanate further comprises methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
4. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the containment gel further comprises a plasticizer to affect the rheology of the containment gel.
5. The fuel cell as recited in claim 4 wherein a liquidity of the containment gel is proportional to an amount of the plasticizer in the containment gel.
6. The fuel cell as recited in claim 4 wherein the containment gel includes the plasticizer in a range between 20 percent and 50 percent by weight of a total containment gel formulation weight.
7. The fuel cell as recited in claim 4 wherein the plasticizer further comprises a monomer.
8. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the containment gel further comprises a catalyst to accelerate crosslinking of the isocyanate and the polyol.
9. The fuel cell as recited in claim 8 wherein the catalyst comprises at least one of an organotin catalyst or an amine catalyst.
10. The fuel cell as recited in claim 8 wherein the polyol component of a pre-cure containment gel polymer mixture includes the catalyst in a range between 0.1 percent and 0.4 percent by weight.
11. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the containment gel further comprises a tackifier to increase adhesive and cohesive properties of the containment gel, thereby facilitating adhesive reconnection between the edges of the hole.
12. The fuel cell as recited in claim 11 wherein a pre-cure containment gel polymer mixture includes the tackifier in a range between 0.1 percent and 5 percent by weight.
13. The fuel cell as recited in claim 11 wherein the tackifier comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon resin, a terpene or a gum rosin.
14. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 wherein the containment gel further comprises at least one of an antimicrobial agent or an antifouling agent.
15. The fuel cell as recited in claim 1 further comprising: one or more inner intermediate layers between the innermost layer and the containment gel; and one or more outer intermediate layers between the outermost layer and the containment gel.
16. The fuel cell as recited in claim 15 wherein the inner and outer intermediate layers comprise a textile layer.
17. An aircraft comprising: a fuselage; a propulsion system powered by fuel; and one or more fuel cells configured to store the fuel, each fuel cell comprising: an innermost layer configured to contact the fuel; an outermost layer; and a containment gel formed from isocyanate and polyol interposed between the innermost and outermost layers, the containment gel configured to self-seal a ballistically formed hole therein, thereby reducing leakage of the fuel from the fuel cell.
18. The aircraft as recited in claim 17 wherein the propulsion system comprises a gearbox containing gears and a lubricant, the gearbox including a containment gel layer formed from isocyanate and polyol. 19. The aircraft as recited in claim 17 wherein the innermost and outermost layers comprise flexible layers such that each fuel cell is a flexible fuel bag.
20. The aircraft as recited in claim 17 wherein the containment gel is substantially nonreactive with the fuel.