Adjustable Intumescent Firestop Sleeve for Varying Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firestop systems with intumescent pads lack flexibility in accommodating varying sizes of penetrating members and face installation challenges due to misalignment and gravity issues when installing multiple sleeves through floors.
Innovation Solution
A firestopping apparatus with adjustable intumescent pads that can move within a sleeve to accommodate different sizes of penetrating members, and a securing mechanism for aligning and securing adjacent sleeves, using interlocking devices to facilitate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between intumescent pads is fixed, then the firestop system is simple to manufacture and install, but it cannot accommodate varying sizes of penetrating members effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The intumescent pads are made movable within the sleeve rather than being fixed in position. Each pad can be independently adjusted along the sleeve length, allowing the confinement area between pads to be dynamically resized to match different volumes of penetrating members while maintaining an straightforward sleeve structure
Solution Approach 2:
The firestop system is divided into separable components: the sleeve structure and the intumescent pads. This segmentation allows the pads to be independently positioned and adjusted within the sleeve, providing flexibility in configuring the confinement area for different applications without redesigning the entire system
2Ease of operation
If multiple sleeves are installed together without alignment aids, then the device structure remains simple, but the sleeves are difficult to align and secure during installation
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide rails or positioning tabs are pre-formed on the sleeves during manufacturing. These features automatically guide and align multiple sleeves together during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional alignment tools while maintaining simple sleeve construction
Solution Approach 2:
A securing mechanism acts as an intermediary component that connects multiple sleeves together. This mechanism facilitates the joining process by providing a standardized interface for alignment and secure attachment, reducing installation difficulty without requiring the sleeves themselves to be overly complex
3Reliability
If the confinement area is fixed in size, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but it cannot effectively seal openings of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The size of the confinement area is made variable by allowing adjustment of the intumescent pads' positions within the sleeve. This parameter change enables the same firestop system to be configured for different opening sizes while maintaining reliable sealing performance, without requiring multiple different product designs
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 apparatus effectively seals openings of varying sizes against fire spread and simplifies the installation of multiple sleeves by ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment, addressing both flexibility and installation difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
the intumescent pads react to the heat to tightly seal against the penetrating member so as to close any path for the fire to pass through the construction barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A firestopping apparatus for providing a fire barrier in a construction barrier. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve within which there are located intumescent pads that are oriented to form a confinement area therebetween to accommodate various penetrating members such as cables, conduits and the like that need to pass through the barrier. Upon sensing the heat from a fire, the intumescent pads seal around the penetrating members to prevent the fire from passing through the barrier. One or both of the intumescent pads is movable toward or away from the other so that the confinement area can be adjusted in size, that is, the confinement area can be increased in size to accommodate a large number of penetrating members of decreased to accommodate a lesser number. One or both of the intumescent pads may be biased in the direction toward decreasing the size of the confinement area.