Adjustable Cast-In-Place Firestop Device for Conduit Routing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firestop devices for concrete constructions have limited configurational options and adjustability, restricting the placement and size of passageways through concrete components, which hampers the flexibility in accommodating various conduit arrangements and varying concrete thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A cast-in-place constructional system featuring interlocking firestop devices with adjustable mounting flanges and telescopic extensions, allowing for customizable positioning and height adjustment to accommodate different conduit arrangements and concrete thicknesses, utilizing an intumescent material for fire containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple passage-forming firestop devices are attached together to provide multiple passageways, then the number of conduits that can pass through the concrete component is increased, but the relative positions of the passageways are limited by the fixed attachment configurations of the devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidattachment configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The firestop device incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the passageway to be positioned at multiple locations along the length of the device. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible conduit arrangements without requiring complex fixed attachment configurations, as the passageway can be moved to accommodate different routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The firestop device is designed with a universal attachment system that can accommodate multiple conduit arrangements through a single device configuration. The adjustable positioning mechanism allows one device to serve multiple functions by positioning the passageway at different locations, reducing the need for multiple specialized attachment configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the length of the passageway is fixed in the firestop device, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate concrete components of varying thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete thickness adaptabilityVSAvoidpassageway adjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The firestop device incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the passageway to be positioned at multiple locations along the length of the device. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible conduit arrangements without requiring complex fixed attachment configurations, as the passageway can be moved to accommodate different routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the passageway position is fixed in the firestop device, then the device manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate various conduit routing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit routing flexibilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The firestop device incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the passageway to be positioned at multiple locations along the length of the device. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible conduit arrangements without requiring complex fixed attachment configurations, as the passageway can be moved to accommodate different routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides enhanced flexibility and customizability in arranging conduits and accommodating varying concrete thicknesses, effectively preventing fire spread through concrete components by interlocking firestop devices and using telescopic extensions for height adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

an intumescent material that is positioned within the internal passageway, the intumescent material being configured to expand and occlude the internal passageway when exposed to heat from a fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntumescent material expansion: Intumescent Materials

Data Source

PatentUS11476652B2Cast in place device

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 IPEX TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A first firestop device and a second firestop device, each comprising a housing. The housing of the first firestop device has a connection side with a plurality of connection elements and the housing of the second firestop device has a complementary side with a complementary element. The connection elements are each arranged at a different location on the connection side of the housing of the first firestop device, so that a position of the first firestop device relative to the second firestop device, when the connection side of the housing of the first firestop device is interlocked with the complementary side of the housing of the second firestop device, is selectable by selecting which of the connection elements of the first firestop device is connected to the complementary element of the second firestop device.