Fire Door Smoke Seal Device for Cold Smoke Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire doors with smoke seal devices are ineffective in blocking cold smokes, as they do not trigger the thermo-expanding gaskets and allow smokes to pass through gaps between tie-rods and sliding means.

Innovation Solution

A fire door design featuring a smoke seal device with a metal profile bar covering the slide part of the door and a smoke block element interacting with the slide guide, both fixed to the door, which effectively blocks both hot and cold smokes by covering the apertures between tie-rods and providing a continuous obstruction along the door's length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a smoke seal device with thermo-expanding gaskets is used, then hot smokes are blocked effectively, but cold smokes pass through without triggering expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoke blocking effectivenessVSAvoidcold smoke penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke seal device is divided into two distinct functional segments: a fixed metal profile bar that provides structural support and a smoke block element that can move independently. This segmentation allows the smoke block element to respond to cold smoke by moving into position, while the metal profile bar remains stable and provides the framework for the seal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable smoke block element acts as an intermediary between the fixed metal profile bar and the incoming smoke. This intermediate component physically blocks cold smoke before it can reach the thermo-expanding gaskets, while still allowing the gaskets to function when hot smoke is detected. The smoke block element mediates the interaction between the fixed structure and the variable smoke conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the zone above the door is left open for sliding mechanism, then the door can operate smoothly, but smoke can pass through the gaps between tie-rods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor sliding functionalityVSAvoidsmoke leakage through gaps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke block element extends into the vertical dimension above the door panel, projecting upward to block smoke in the space between the door and the sliding mechanism. This dimensional extension creates a three-dimensional smoke barrier that does not interfere with the horizontal sliding operation of the door, effectively addressing smoke leakage without compromising operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The smoke block element creates a secondary blocking structure that mirrors the protective function of the main door panel. Just as the door panel blocks smoke at lower levels, the smoke block element replicates this blocking function at the upper level near the sliding mechanism, providing comprehensive smoke protection across different vertical zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Strength

If a metal profile bar is used to cover the sliding part, then structural support is provided, but it creates gaps that allow smoke passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidsmoke passage through profile bar gaps
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fixed metal profile bar with the movable smoke block element into a unified smoke seal system. The metal profile bar provides structural support and positioning, while the smoke block element provides the actual sealing function. These two components work together as an integrated system, combining the advantages of structural strength with effective smoke blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The smoke block element introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise static metal profile bar structure. The smoke block element can move in response to smoke detection or pressure differential, transforming the rigid metal profile into a responsive sealing system that adapts to smoke conditions while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a more efficient smoke blocking mechanism that prevents both hot and cold smokes from passing through, enhancing the structural simplicity and effectiveness of the smoke seal device compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

thermo-expanding gaskets which expand whenever they are exposed to heat, in this case to the heat of fire, or to the hot smokes emanating therefrom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3241973B1Fire door
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 MEVERIN
  • EP3241973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241973B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The fire door comprises at least one panel (2) equipped with a slide part (3) above, comprising slide means (30) and at least one connection member (31) to connect the slide means (30) to the panel (2); a slide guide (4) on which the slide means (30) can slide; and a smoke seal device (5). The smoke seal device (5), which comprises at least one metal profile bar (50) which covers the slide part (3) all along the length (L) of the door (1) and between the upper edge of the panel (2) and the slide means (30), and at least one smoke block element (51) suitable for co-operating with the slide guide (4) to block cold smokes, is fixed to the slide part (3) of the panel (2) of the door (1).