Ceiling Unit with Pivotal Base to Seal Pipework Apertures During Fire
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial buildings, pipework made from thin polypropylene or PVC often melts during a fire, creating an exposed aperture in the ceiling that allows fire to spread, as existing solutions fail to rapidly seal the ceiling vent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tubular box structure with a pivotal base and spring mechanism, made from 18 gauge metal Zintex, that seals the ceiling aperture when the pipework melts, using breakable wires and expandable intumescent material to close and protect against fire spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thin-walled polypropylene or PVC pipework is used to penetrate through the ceiling, then ease of installation and cost are improved, but fire resistance deteriorates as the pipework melts rapidly within 10-20 seconds during a fire
Solution Approach 1:
The protective unit is divided into separate functional components: a tubular box structure for structural support, a pivotal base for sealing action, and breakable holding means for triggering the response. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the fire resistance problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal base is pre-positioned in a held state by breakable means, ready to automatically pivot and seal the aperture upon failure of the pipework. The intumescent material is pre-installed within the unit, prepared to expand and seal the aperture without requiring external intervention during the fire event.
2Reliability
If a ceiling unit with rapid closing mechanism is installed to seal the aperture, then fire resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective unit is designed to automatically detect pipework failure through the breakable holding means and self-actuate the sealing mechanism by pivoting the base into the closed position. The intumescent material self-heats and expands in response to fire conditions, eliminating the need for external power sources, sensors, or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intumescent material undergoes a phase transition when exposed to fire temperatures, expanding from a compact state to a voluminous sealed barrier. This phase change provides the sealing action automatically in response to thermal conditions without requiring mechanical actuation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the base part pivots to perpendicular orientation to seal the aperture, then fire protection duration is improved, but the mechanism requires precise positioning and installation precision
Solution Approach 1:
The base transitions from a static held position to a dynamic pivoting motion, allowing it to adapt to slight variations in installation alignment. The rotational degree of freedom provides tolerance for positioning variations while ensuring the base achieves the correct sealed orientation against the tubular box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means are designed with specific breakable properties that trigger at defined temperature thresholds, ensuring consistent activation across different installation conditions. The pivot mechanism is designed with appropriate friction and clearance parameters to ensure reliable sealing without requiring excessive precision.
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 solution provides up to two hours of fire protection on plasterboard ceilings and up to four hours on concrete ceilings by instantly sealing the aperture and expanding intumescent foam to prevent fire spread.
Implementation Method 1
In the event of a fire, the pipework will rapidly melt, often within 10 to 20 seconds
Implementation Method 2
expandable intumescent material to close and protect against fire spread
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A protective unit for pipework extending through an aperture in a ceiling. The unit (2) comprising a tubular box structure having one or more side walls (4), and has means to secure an open end (6) of the structure to the ceiling at the aperture. The unit has a base, at least a section (10) of which is pivotal about distal edge of a side wall remote from the ceiling. The unit also has breakable means (16) to hold the base or section thereof (10) adjacent an inside surface of the side wall, wherein the base or section thereof pivots to an orientation perpendicular to the side wall of the unit in the event that the holding means (16) is broken, to close and seal that end of the unit.