Expandable Access Panel Frame for Fire-Resistant Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access panels lack consistent fire resistance due to the use of flammable packers and variable application of fire-resistant alternatives, which compromises the integrity of the fire barrier.
Innovation Solution
An access panel frame with expandable members that provide a smoke-tight and fire-resistant seal by closing gaps between the frame and the opening, eliminating the need for packers and ensuring uniform fire resistance through integrated jacks and intumescent strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flammable packers are used to support the frame within the opening, then the frame can be easily installed, but the fire resistance of the access panel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes packers entirely from the installation process. The frame is designed with adjustable members that eliminate the need for separate packing materials, thereby extracting the harmful element (flammable packers) from the system while maintaining installation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable members that can be extended or retracted to accommodate variations in opening sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the frame to self-adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring additional packing materials, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and fire resistance.
2Reliability
If fire-resistant packers are used to maintain fire resistance, then the fire barrier integrity is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fire resistance function from separate packing materials and integrates it directly into the frame structure itself. The frame members are designed to provide both structural support and fire resistance inherently, eliminating the need for separate fire-resistant packers and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions (structural support, gap filling, and fire resistance) into a single integrated frame structure. The adjustable members serve simultaneously as structural elements and fire barriers, combining what were previously separate components into one unified system that simplifies installation.
3Ease of operation
If the frame is made smaller than the opening to facilitate installation, then the ease of installation is improved, but gaps are created that compromise fire resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs adjustable members that can be dynamically extended to fill gaps between the frame and the opening. This dynamic adjustment allows the frame to maintain its smaller initial size for easy installation while subsequently closing gaps to ensure fire barrier integrity, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and fire resistance.
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 frame achieves improved fire resistance and installation ease by expanding to fit snugly within openings, providing a reliable fire barrier without relying on flammable materials and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each moveable portion is configured to slide (or otherwise move) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a length of the corresponding fixed portion
Implementation Method 2
intumescent strips
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
An access panel frame (100) for fitting into an opening (170, Fig. 1D) in, for example, a wall (108, Fig. 1C), wherein the opening is defined by a plurality of sides. The frame (100) comprises a plurality of elongate expandable members (110a-d), each expandable member (110a-d) comprising a moveable portion (114) and a corresponding fixed portion (112). Each moveable portion (114) is arranged parallel to its corresponding fixed portion (112) and is configured to slide in a direction substantially perpendicular to a length of the corresponding fixed portion (112) in order to expand the expandable member (110a-d) such that, when the frame (100) is placed in the opening, the expandable member (110a- d) closes a gap (172, Fig. 1D) between the frame (100) and a respective side of the opening. This allows the access panel frame to provide improved fire resistance.