Collapsible Fire Curtain Assembly with Telescoping Rigid Supports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire curtain assemblies are cumbersome, difficult to install, and lack a rigid structure, making them inefficient for quickly covering openings in a burning building, which intensifies the fire due to uncontrolled airflow.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible fire curtain assembly with a panel and support members that form rigid structures when deployed, featuring a handle and locking mechanism for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for quick transportation and deployment, and a durable design to reduce airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing fire curtain assemblies are used, then they can cover openings to control airflow, but they are cumbersome and difficult to install due to lack of rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be stored compactly and quickly assembled by extending the sections and engaging locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the fire curtain to be transported in a compact form while providing rigid structural support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members feature telescoping sections with locking mechanisms that allow dynamic transformation from a compact stored state to an extended rigid structure during deployment. This dynamic design enables quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
2Productivity
If existing fire curtain assemblies are used, then they can be transported, but they are cumbersome and time-consuming to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are pre-assembled with telescoping sections and locking mechanisms ready for quick deployment. The interlocking components are designed to engage automatically or with minimal effort, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures and reducing deployment time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows the fire curtain to be broken down into manageable sections for easy transport and storage, while enabling rapid reassembly at the scene by simply extending the telescoping sections and engaging the locking mechanisms.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is added to the fire curtain, then it becomes easier to install and more effective at controlling airflow, but it increases weight and reduces ease of transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support members use telescoping sections with locking mechanisms that provide rigid structural support when extended and locked, but allow the structure to be collapsed into a compact, lightweight form for transport. This dynamic design delivers full structural strength when needed while minimizing weight during mobility phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented telescoping design distributes the structural load across multiple sections, allowing each section to be lightweight individually while providing cumulative rigid support when assembled. The locking mechanisms ensure structural integrity without requiring excessive material weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire curtain assembly is presented that is collapsible for easy transport and quickly and easily assembled for use. This system includes a panel having a plurality of support members positioned in approximate parallel spaced alignment to one another across the panel. The support members have a center section and opposing end sections that selectively connect to the center section thereby forming rigid supports across the panel. End sections have a handle member that connects to a pushrod having a locking pin connected to its end. The locking pin selectively engages and disengages the center section. The handle members have detents that fit within detent sockets thereby holding the handle members in a withdrawn position or an inserted position.