Expansion Joint With Flared Termination For Fluid Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion joint systems fail to adequately address thermal and seismic movements while also providing fire and water resistance, often requiring separate systems that cannot fit within the physical constraints of the joint, leading to structural deterioration due to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A fire and water-resistant expansion joint system comprising a core with infused fire retardant material and a layer of elastomer, featuring a flared termination section to direct fluids and particles away from the joint, allowing for both thermal and seismic movement accommodation and protection from environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fire rated system and waterproofing system are installed, then fire resistance and water resistance are both achieved, but the physical space required exceeds the available joint space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fire resistance and waterproofing functions into a single integrated expansion joint system. The elastomeric material incorporates both fire-retardant properties and water-resistant characteristics, eliminating the need for separate fire-rated and waterproofing systems that would otherwise require additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joint system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: accommodating thermal and seismic movements, providing fire resistance, ensuring water tightness, and directing water away from structural elements. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous expansion joint product is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but transitions through obstructions create weak spots for water infiltration and fire spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the expansion joint system. The elastomeric material is formulated with specific fire-retardant characteristics and water-resistant properties concentrated at transition areas and obstructions, while maintaining overall product homogeneity for ease of manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expansion joint follows irregular joint path through obstructions, then joint accommodation is achieved, but prefabrication becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint system is designed with flexible, dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to irregular joint paths and obstructions on-site. The elastomeric material can be molded or formed to follow the specific geometry of the joint, enabling field customization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized material properties.
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion joint system includes: a core; and water resistant coating on the core. The core and the water resistant coating forming an elongated section, the elongated section configured to be oriented between substrates. The expansion joint system further includes a termination section located at one end of the elongated section and comprising a flared end forming an angle with the elongated section and configured to direct fluid and/or particles and/or solvents away from the expansion joint system.