Fire protection device with a fire protection flap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection devices with fire dampers in wood-based building materials require precise casing adaptations, making installation complex and costly, and are not suitable for sustainable installations in dry clay walls or clay brick walls.

Innovation Solution

A fire damper installation method using clay mortar to fill the gap between the wall opening and the fire damper, allowing for larger dimensional tolerances and simplifying installation by bridging gaps up to 50 mm without needing a precisely fitted casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a casing is used to fill the gap between the fire damper and wall opening, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidcasing dimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces clay mortar as an intermediary material between the fire damper housing and the wall opening. This mortar serves as a flexible sealing medium that accommodates dimensional variations, eliminating the need for precisely fitted casings while maintaining fire resistance. The mortar fills irregular gaps and adapts to different wall thicknesses, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from rigid dimensional matching to flexible material adaptation. By using clay mortar with adjustable properties (workability, shrinkage compensation), the system can accommodate a range of gap sizes without requiring precise casing dimensions. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction by decoupling fire resistance from manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a precisely fitted casing is used, then fire sealing is improved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire sealingVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clay mortar acts as a forgiving intermediary that tolerates installation variations. Unlike rigid casings requiring precise fitting, the mortar can be applied quickly to accommodate slight misalignments and irregular wall openings, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining effective fire sealing through its adhesive and filling properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, precisely manufactured casings with a simpler, more adaptable mortar application approach. The mortar serves as a disposable filling material that is applied during installation and cured in place, eliminating the need for complex casing fabrication and adjustment processes, thereby reducing both time and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional casing methods are used, then fire protection is achieved, but adaptability to different wall types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidsuitability for different wall materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clay mortar provides universal adaptability across different wall types (dry clay walls, clay brick walls, wood-based materials). Its plastic and adhesive properties allow it to bond effectively with various substrates and accommodate different wall thicknesses and opening irregularities, making the fire protection system universally applicable while maintaining reliable fire protection.

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

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 method reduces installation complexity and cost by enabling reliable sealing in dry clay walls, integrating well with sustainable building materials, and providing fire resistance without requiring precise casing adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The fire damper housing has a casing that fills the gap between the outer circumference of the fire damper and the reveal of the wall opening. This not only prevents the spread of heat and gases through this gap but also provides better protection of the wall reveal against fire damage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFire resistance:

Implementation Method 2

The clay mortar can contain fibrous, combustible or non-combustible aggregates. This increases the strength of the clay mortar, allowing it to bridge larger gaps between the fire damper and the reveal of the wall opening.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrength increase through fiber reinforcement:

Implementation Method 3

the surface of the joint filled with clay mortar, as well as parts of the wall area directly adjacent to the joint and parts of the fire damper housing or casing, are covered with reinforcing strips, for example made of jute or fiberglass fabric, and additionally covered with mortar plaster or clay plaster. This further strengthens and reinforces the joint and further increases its fire resistance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFire resistance enhancement:

Data Source

PatentEP4663993A1Fire protection device with a fire protection flap
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 WILDEBOER BAUTEILE
  • EP4663993A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4663993A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4663993A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Fire protection device with a fire damper (14) arranged in a wall opening, characterized in that there is a gap between the jamb (12) of the wall opening and the outer surface of the fire damper (14), which is filled with a clay mortar (26).