Multi-Layer Fire Curtain Venting for Smoke Blocking Endurance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire retardant fabrics used in rolling door assemblies fail to meet endurance tests required for certification due to inadequate fire resistance and smoke blocking capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer rolling fire curtain assembly comprising a flexible, fire-resistant inner and outer curtain layers connected by horizontal seams, with optional additional fire and smoke retardant layers sandwiched between, and venting at both horizontally outer ends to prevent combustion and oxygen buildup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer fire retardant fabric is used in rolling door assemblies, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the fabric fails to meet endurance tests required for certification due to inadequate fire resistance and smoke blocking capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistance and smoke blocking capabilityVSAvoidcurtain structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curtain is divided into multiple independent layers (inner fire-retardant layer, middle smoke-blocking layer, outer protective layer) that can function separately but work together to provide comprehensive fire and smoke protection. Each layer is attached to the roller at its top edge, allowing independent deployment while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curtain assembly uses composite construction with different material properties for each layer: the inner layer uses fire-retardant fabric, the middle layer uses smoke-blocking material, and the outer layer uses protective fabric. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both fire resistance and smoke blocking while passing certification tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple layers are added to enhance fire resistance and smoke blocking, then certification requirements are met, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistance and smoke blocking capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions with a single integrated structure: fire blocking, smoke blocking, and ventilation. The assembly can be deployed as a complete multi-layer unit or individual layers can be used separately, providing manufacturing flexibility and ease of installation while meeting certification requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If horizontal connection seams are used to attach inner and outer layers, then fire resistance is improved, but the seams may act as potential weak points for fire propagation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidfire propagation risk through seams

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Fire-resistant adhesive or welding is used as an intermediary method to join the layers at horizontal connection seams. This intermediary technique creates a bond that maintains the fire-resistant properties of the fabric layers while eliminating the weak points that would exist with mechanical stitching, preventing fire propagation through the seams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4685330A1Multi-layer rolling fire curtain assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MCKEON ROLLING STEEL DOOR CO INC

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AI summary

A multi-layer rolling fire curtain assembly includes: a multi-layer fire curtain wrappable about a roller and to be deployable between an extended position and an open position, such that a free end of the curtain is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The fire curtain has a fire resistant inner curtain layer having a first width between first and second lateral edges, and a fire resistant outer curtain layer arranged opposite the inner layer and having first and second scalloped lateral edges varying between the first width and a second width less than the first width. The inner and outer layers are affixed to one another by horizontally oriented connection seams at the first width, the connection seams being configured so that the outer and inner layers are spaced apart by a plurality of baggy areas formed between adjacent connection seams.