One-Piece Fire Barriers for Multi-Directional Expansion Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire barriers for multi-directional expansion joints are not adequately tested, require on-site splicing, and are not designed for inside-mounted installations, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards during fire events, as they allow the rapid spread of flames, smoke, and gases due to their weak seams and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of fire and cycle tested, pre-assembled, multi-directional fire barriers as single-piece, continuous units for one-step, drop-in inside-mount installation, along with reusable, size-adjustable installation tools that provide a tight fit within expansion joint spaces, eliminating the need for splicing and reducing installer exposure to sharp edges and hazardous fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-assembled, one-piece fire barriers are used, then installation time and complexity are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire barrier system is segmented into standardized modular components (barrier bodies, cover plates, spacers) that can be pre-assembled into different configurations. This allows complex multi-directional barriers to be manufactured as integrated units while maintaining ease of installation through simple drop-in placement and attachment to building units.
Solution Approach 2:
Fire barriers are pre-assembled and pre-configured in various orientations (straight, corner, T-intersection, cross-intersection) before installation. The barriers are manufactured with attachment means already integrated, eliminating the need for on-site splicing and assembly, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spliced together parts are used to create multi-directional barriers, then adaptability to different joint configurations is improved, but seam integrity and fire resistance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular barrier components that can be configured for different joint types (straight, corner, T-intersection, cross-intersection). Each module is designed with specific geometries that fit predetermined joint configurations, providing adaptability without requiring field splicing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple barrier segments are merged into integrated one-piece units during manufacturing. The attachment means are incorporated directly into the barrier body, creating seamless connections that maintain fire resistance and structural integrity without weak seams or gaps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inside-mounted installation is used, then aesthetic appearance and building unit protection are improved, but installation difficulty and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Removable cover plates serve as intermediaries during installation, allowing the barrier to be positioned and secured from the interior side of building units. The cover plates with integrated attachment means enable straightforward fastening without requiring workers to access exterior or hard-to-reach areas, maintaining both aesthetics and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is inverted by placing the attachment means on the interior side of the building units rather than requiring exterior attachment. This allows installation to proceed from the accessible interior side, improving ease of operation while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the building facade.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom installation tools are used, then installation precision and safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tools are designed as universal, multi-functional devices that can accommodate different barrier sizes and configurations. The tools feature adjustable components and standardized interfaces that work with various barrier types (straight, corner, T-intersection, cross-intersection) without requiring custom tools for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tools incorporate nested or telescoping components that allow adjustment to different sizes. For example, the frame members can extend or retract, and components can be nested within each other, providing precision for different barrier dimensions while maintaining a compact, simple tool design.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-directional, one-piece, tested and rated, inside-mount fire barriers requiring no splicing to fit into expansion joint corner-type spaces are presented. Accompanying low-cost, re-useable, size-adjustable installation tools designed for one-step, drop-in, installation of each style barrier, are also taught. To insure a tight-fit between each installed barrier and the building units forming the joint space, spreader press-fit tools which, if desired, may serve as fire barriers covers are taught. Described herein is a barrier that needs no splicing to be installed into a T-shaped joint space that is created by the convergence of three building structures. The present invention contemplates inside-mounted, one-piece barriers shaped to fit cross-shaped and various L-shaped expansion spaces. L-shaped fire barriers include barriers having a horizontal and a vertical arm that can occur in various configurations and barriers having two horizontal arms.