Fire Door Frame Thermal Bridge Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire door units in high-security buildings face challenges in achieving effective thermal insulation and compliance with fire protection regulations due to structural design issues, particularly with tubular metal sections that create thermal bridges and fail to maintain temperature control effectively during fire tests.
Innovation Solution
A fire door unit design featuring a fixed frame made from elongated, flat sections with longitudinal folds, forming an L-shaped cross-section, and a peripheral frame with composite insulation panels, along with intumescent seals and fire-resistant facings, to break thermal bridges and manage temperature rises, while maintaining structural integrity and compliance with regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tubular metal sections are used for the fixed frame and peripheral frame, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal frames with thermal insulation materials (such as intumescent seals and insulating panels) to create a hybrid structure that maintains both structural strength and thermal insulation performance, eliminating thermal bridges while preserving mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary thermal insulation elements (intumescent seals, insulating panels) between the metal frame components and the door leaf, acting as thermal mediators that break the thermal bridge pathway while allowing the metal frame to maintain its structural function
2Stability of the object's composition
If numerous exposed surfaces are provided in the fixed frame structure, then structural integrity is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates due to increased thermal bridge surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal structural elements with fire-resistant and thermally insulating materials (intumescent seals, insulation panels) to create a composite door assembly that maintains structural integrity while achieving fire resistance compliance by blocking thermal pathways
3Strength
If rigid metal peripheral frames are used to reinforce the door leaf, then structural rigidity is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction by integrating rigid metal peripheral frames with thermal insulation materials and intumescent seals, creating a multi-material assembly that provides both the required structural rigidity and thermal insulation performance
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 design effectively reduces temperature rises at reference zones, enhances fire resistance, and meets current fire protection standards while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
fire and/or intumescent seals be placed between the each leaf and the fixed frame or between the latter and the masonry work to help delay temperature rises and the spread of toxic fumes
Implementation Method 2
a fixed frame essentially comprising two vertical uprights connected by a horizontal upper crosspiece... made from an assembly of sections placed end to end and each made from an elongated and flat element of rigid material having properties of resistance to temperature rises and fire resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a prehung fire door unit with one or two swing door leaf or leaves (1) which unit is intended to be mounted in an opening (2), more particularly a rectangular or square opening, made in a stonework construction (3) such as a wall, rising up substantially vertically in a building and more particularly in a high-security building, said prehung door unit consisting of a fixed frame (4) and of at least one door leaf (1), said fixed frame (4) being able to be fitted, at least in part, into a rebate (10) made in said opening (2). The fixed frame (4) is made of an assembly of profiled elements fitted end to end and each made from an elongate flat element made of rigid material having temperature and fire resistance properties and that can be applied, either directly or indirectly, against at least one of the closed end faces of the rebate (10) so as to create, in the closed end of the rebate (10), an additional finishing and/or supporting thickness for the or each door leaf (1).