Fire Collar Element With Adhesive-Free Intumescent Sheath Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-protection collars for closing through-passages in walls, ceilings, and floors are inflexible, require many components, and cannot easily adapt to different openings or pipe cross-sections, leading to inefficiencies in installation and protection.

Innovation Solution

A fire-protection collar element with a flexible metal foil sheath and intumescent material lining, allowing for easy adaptation to various openings and pipe sizes, and a robust, adhesive-free connection between the sheath and lining, along with a simple holder system for secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fire-protection collars use multiple individual components and complex configurations, then they provide adequate fire protection, but they cannot be flexibly adapted to different openings or pipe cross-sections and require more installation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different openings and pipe cross-sectionsVSAvoidnumber of individual components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sheath and lining into a single integrated fire-protection-collar element. The lining is fitted on the inner surface of the sheath, creating a unified component that combines structural support (sheath) and fire protection (lining) functions, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fire-protection-collar element is designed as a universal solution that can be adapted to various opening sizes and pipe cross-sections. The sheath can be configured in different dimensions and the element can be customized for specific applications, making it suitable for multiple feed-through scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional fire-protection collars use multiple components, then they provide comprehensive protection, but they increase production costs and manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction straightforwardness and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of individual elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the sheath and lining into one integrated element, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps. Instead of producing separate components and assembling them, the merged structure allows for more straightforward production processes and lower manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While merging the main components, the patent maintains functional segmentation within the integrated element. The lining is positioned on the inner surface of the sheath, creating distinct functional zones (structural outer layer and protective inner layer) that work together in a unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the sheath and lining are connected using adhesive, then the connection is simple, but the bond may fail under fire conditions or over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stability between sheath and liningVSAvoidconnection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical bonding (adhesive) with mechanical bonding methods. The lining is fitted on the inner surface of the sheath through mechanical interference or friction fit, providing a reliable connection that maintains integrity under fire conditions without relying on adhesive bonds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables straightforward, cost-effective production and flexible adaptation to different openings and pipe sizes, providing enhanced fire and smoke prevention with improved stability and ease of installation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one lining 12 which is made of or comprises an intumescent material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescent material expansion: Intumescent Materials

Implementation Method 2

which increases in volume in the event of a fire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

The sheath, preferably the foil which forms the sheath, is advantageously bimetallic. In particular the use of two metals of different coefficients of linear expansion is advantageous here

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBimetallic effect: Bi-Metallic Strip

Data Source

PatentEP3600571B1Fire-protection-collar element, fire-protection collar and method for forming it
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 ETEX AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • EP3600571B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3600571B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3600571B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fire-protection-collar element (10) for forming a fire-protection collar (35) for closing through-passages in walls (38), ceilings and/or floors in the event of a fire. The present invention also relates to a method for forming a fire-protection collar (35) for closing through-passages in walls (38), ceilings and/or floors in the event of a fire.