Fire Rated Glass Flooring Load Transfer Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire-rated glass flooring systems are either expensive, aesthetically unappealing, or limited in their fire insulation capacity, with existing double layer systems offering only 30 minutes of fire insulation and single layer systems requiring replacement if the top sheet is broken.
Innovation Solution
A fire-rated glass flooring system comprising a structural glass layer above a fire-rated glass layer, separated by a load transferring means, which allows the structural frame to support both layers and maintain a closer spacing, enhancing aesthetics and fire insulation while allowing direct load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a double layer system with deep steel beam is used, then fire insulation capacity is achieved (30 minutes), but the system becomes expensive and aesthetically unappealing due to visible beams and support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the deep steel beam structure and transfers it to a separate structural frame. This allows the glass layers to be positioned closer together (reducing visible spacing and structural visibility) while maintaining fire insulation capacity through the fire rated glass layer's thermal mass and composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a structural frame as an intermediary element between the glass layers and the original beam structure. This frame serves as a mediator that carries loads while allowing the glass layers to be spaced closer together, thereby reducing aesthetic defects without compromising fire safety
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a double layer system with deep steel beam is used, then fire insulation capacity is achieved (30 minutes), but the view through the floor is obscured when looking at an angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the deep beam structure that was causing visual obstruction. By extracting this element and replacing it with a closer-spaced structural frame system, the patent restores visibility through the floor while preserving fire insulation through the fire rated glass layer's thermal properties
3Device complexity
If a single layer multi laminate glass system is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the system is expensive and requires replacement if the top sheet is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the glass flooring into two separate layers: a structural glass layer for load-bearing and a fire rated glass layer for fire protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the structural layer providing reliability and the fire rated layer providing fire insulation, while both contribute to the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite glass construction with two different glass types bonded together. The structural glass (multi-laminated for strength) and fire rated glass (special composition for fire resistance) work together as a composite system that provides both aesthetic appearance and enhanced reliability, exceeding the performance of single-layer systems
4Device complexity
If the first and second layers of glass are spaced closer together, then aesthetic appearance is improved and structural frame visibility is reduced, but load transfer capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a structural frame as an intermediary load transfer mechanism that connects the two glass layers. This frame serves as a mediator that maintains close spacing for aesthetic purposes while providing the necessary structural support and load transfer capability, eliminating the need for deep beams
Data Source
AI summary
A fire rated glass flooring system comprising a first layer of glass which is a structural glass and a second layer of glass which is a fire rated glass, together with a structural frame supporting the flooring system, wherein the two layers of glass are positioned one above the other and are separated by at least one load transferring means. The flooring system is more aesthetic than conventional frames as the user of a load transferring means allows the first and second layers of glass to be brought closer together and hence the structural frame supporting the system is less visible through the system.