Angular Duct Flange Assembly for Integrated Firestopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for firestopping around ducts extending through structural panels require staged inspections and separate steps for fireproofing material placement and mechanical bracket installation, which are inefficient and require skilled personnel.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated modular apparatus with primary and secondary angular flanges and sealing members, made of metallic materials, that allows for simultaneous firestop sealing and mechanical connection between ducts and structural panels, eliminating the need for staged inspections and skilled personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fireproofing material is placed into the annulus followed by mechanical bracket installation, then firestopping is achieved, but the process requires staged inspections and skilled personnel, increasing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fireproofing material placement and mechanical bracket installation into a single integrated step. The modular bracket system includes pre-attached fireproofing material, allowing mechanical contractors to install both components simultaneously without requiring separate skilled fireproofing personnel or staged inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bracket serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support to maintain spacing between the duct and structural panel, ensures structural integrity during fire conditions, and simultaneously provides the fireproofing seal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fireproofing and mechanical installation steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate steps are used for fireproofing material placement and mechanical bracket installation, then each component can be optimized, but installation time increases and skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fireproofing material is pre-attached to the modular bracket during manufacturing, allowing it to be precisely positioned and installed in a single step. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for skilled fireproofing personnel to manually install material on-site, thereby increasing installation speed without compromising precision.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical brackets are installed after fireproofing inspection, then fireproofing can be inspected, but inspection is not possible after panel placement since the annulus is hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The modular bracket design allows the fireproofing component to be separated visually from the final assembly during installation. The bracket extends between the duct and structural panel with the fireproofing material exposed on the bracket surface, enabling inspection before the panel is fully placed and sealed, thus eliminating inspection delays.
4Reliability
If staged installation process is used, then quality control can be maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular bracket is designed to be self-explanatory and self-installing by mechanical contractors without requiring specialized fireproofing personnel. The integrated design with pre-attached fireproofing material and clear installation features enables quality firestopping through standard construction practices, maintaining reliability while dramatically improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a primary angular flange leg to be secured to the duct and a secondary angular flange leg approximately perpendicularly oriented relative thereto. Each flange includes a sealing member of flexible intumescent paper positionable therealong to facilitate firestopping therebetween. The sealing member preferably including two panels at an obtuse angle with respect to one another and being flexible to become approximately perpendicular with respect to one another responsive to securement of the angular flange to the duct and the surrounding structural panel. One or more uniquely designed corner brackets can be included for mounting the adjacently positioned angular flanges with respect to one another selectively.