Adjustable Firestop Housing for One-Sided Wall Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire collars require two installations, one on each side of a wall, to achieve adequate fire resistance, which can be challenging when access to one side is limited or difficult.
Innovation Solution
A firestop device with a housing featuring adjustable tubular parts and intumescent material at both ends, allowing for installation on one side of the wall and providing fire-resistant barriers on both sides through heat-activated swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two fire collars are installed, one on each side of the wall, then adequate fire resistance is achieved, but installation complexity increases and access requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fire collar installations into a single integrated device. The firestop housing with adjustable tubular parts and intumescent material at both ends functions as one unit that provides fire resistance on both sides of the wall simultaneously, eliminating the need for two separate installations
Solution Approach 2:
The single firestop device performs multiple functions: it provides fire resistance on both sides of the wall, accommodates service components extending through the wall, and adjusts to different wall thicknesses. This multi-functional design replaces the need for two specialized fire collars
2Reliability
If two fire collars are installed, one on each side of the wall, then adequate fire resistance is achieved, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate installation operations into one. The single firestop device is installed in one location and provides protective function on both sides of the wall, reducing installation time and labor requirements while maintaining adequate fire resistance
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing length is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different wall thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the housing length through a mating interconnection system between tubular parts. This dynamic feature allows the housing to be adjusted to fit different wall thicknesses while maintaining structural integrity and fire resistance performance
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into multiple tubular parts that can be adjusted relative to each other through a mating interconnection. This segmentation allows for length adjustment while keeping individual components manufacturable with standard tolerances
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 firestop device effectively establishes a fire-resistant barrier on both sides of a wall with a single installation, overcoming access limitations and ensuring robust fire protection.
Implementation Method 1
intumescent material that is supported by the housing and that swells in response to heat
Data Source
AI summary
A firestop has a housing with a first tubular part that defines a first longitudinal end of the housing, and a second tubular part that defines a second longitudinal end of the housing. A passageway extends between the first and second longitudinal ends, is defined by at least the first and second tubular parts. When the firestop is installed in a building, the service components are to extend through the passageway. The firestop has a mating interconnection between the first and second tubular parts that permits the length of the housing between the first and second longitudinal ends to be adjustable between a maximum length and a minimum length. Intumescent material is supported by the housing and that swells in response to heat. The intumescent material being arranged to swell in response to heat in at least an inward direction.