Fire-rated ventilation duct and improvements therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-rated ventilation duct systems face challenges such as complex installation requirements, susceptibility to physical damage, increased dimensions and weight, and project delays due to multiple trade coordination and insulation layer complexities, which can result in inadequate fire protection if not properly installed.
Innovation Solution
A fire-rated ventilation duct system comprising a metallic inner liner, a metallic outer casing with fire-rating, and an insulation layer, where the inner liner spacers define a cavity for the insulation, providing a sealed and thermally insulated duct section with modular connections for easy assembly and reduced installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wrap type fire-rated duct systems with multiple insulation layers and outer sheet metal enclosure are used, then fire resistance rating is provided, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into modular sections with standardized components (inner liner, insulation layers, outer enclosure, connectors) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fire resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system employs a nested structure where the inner liner is enclosed by insulation layers which are in turn enclosed by the outer sheet metal enclosure, creating a compact multi-layered fire-rated assembly
2Reliability
If multiple insulation layers with overlaps and seals are used to achieve fire resistance, then fire protection is provided, but installation time and project delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
Insulation layers are pre-cut and pre-positioned within the modular duct sections during manufacturing, so that field installation only requires assembling pre-prepared components rather than installing multiple insulation layers with overlaps and seals
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple insulation layers are combined into a single integrated insulation assembly that is pre-installed within the duct module, eliminating the need for separate installation of multiple layers and their associated sealing operations
3Strength
If outer sheet metal casing is added to protect foil scrim layer, then physical damage resistance is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sheet metal casing is designed as a thin-walled protective shell that provides physical protection to the foil scrim insulation layer without adding substantial complexity to the overall duct system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sheet metal enclosure serves multiple functions: protecting the insulation layers from physical damage, providing structural support for the duct assembly, and contributing to the overall fire-rated construction
4Device complexity
If modular duct sections with integrated insulation are used, then installation complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is segmented into standardized modules with precise factory-prepared interfaces, allowing for simplified field assembly while maintaining high manufacturing precision during controlled factory production
Solution Approach 2:
Connector components serve as intermediaries between duct sections, providing standardized interfaces that facilitate precise alignment and assembly while accommodating minor dimensional variations
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 enhances fire resistance, simplifies installation, reduces project delays, and ensures consistent fire protection by providing a modular, sealed, and thermally efficient duct system with improved structural integrity and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation layer configured to provide a thermal insulation layer between said inner liner and said outer casing
Data Source
AI summary
A fire-rated ventilation duct system and improvements therein. According to an embodiment, the fire-rated ventilation duct section comprises, an inner liner configured as conduit for air movement, the inner liner comprising a metallic material and having a first end and a second end, and the first end including a first connection section, and the second end including a second connection section; an outer casing configured for encasing the inner liner, the outer casing comprising a metallic material having a fire-rating, the outer casing having a first end and a second end, and the first end including a first duct connection section configured for joining one end of a second fire-rated ventilation duct, and the second end including a second duct connection section configured for joining one end of a third fire-rated ventilation duct; an insulation layer configured to provide a thermal insulation layer between the inner liner and the outer casing, and the first connection section of the inner liner further comprising a first liner spacer and the second connection section of the inner liner further comprising a second liner spacer, the first and the second liner spacers being configured to define a cavity for receiving and positioning said insulation layer between an outer surface of the inner liner and an inner surface of the outer casing; the first duct connection section of the outer casing being configured to attach to at least a portion of the first connection section of the inner liner, and the second duct connection section of the outer casing being configured to attach to at least a portion of the second connection section of the inner liner to form a sealed duct section.