Fire-Resistant Glass Fixing with Thermally Separated Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection components face issues with thermal bridges and anchor failures during fires, leading to increased temperature transfer and potential gas permeation on the side away from the fire, compromising the integrity of the fire-resistant glazing.

Innovation Solution

A fire protection component featuring thermally separated profiles connected via a low-conductivity connecting web, with the fire-resistant glass directly adhered to the frame using a high-thermal-decomposition-point adhesive, and a foamable seal to prevent gas passage and maintain fixation during fires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metallic holder is used to fix the fire protection glass, then the glass is securely held in place, but a thermal bridge is formed causing increased temperature on the fire-protected side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidtemperature on fire-protected side

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into two thermally separated profiles: one on the fire side and one on the side facing away from the fire. These profiles are connected only via a connecting web with low thermal conductivity, segmenting the heat transfer path and eliminating the thermal bridge effect that would occur with a continuous metallic holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting web with low thermal conductivity is introduced as an intermediary element between the fire-side profile and the fire-protected side profile. This mediator allows mechanical connection while minimizing heat transfer, thus maintaining fixation strength while reducing temperature transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a metal holder is used to secure the glass, then the glass remains fixed during normal conditions, but the holder can bend under intense heat and load during fire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidfixation reliability during fire

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame system uses composite construction with profiles made of different materials optimized for their respective functions: the fire-side profile can be made of fire-resistant material while the fire-protected side profile and connecting web use materials with appropriate thermal and mechanical properties for their specific requirements, creating a composite structure that maintains reliability under fire conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the fire protection glass is directly glued to the frame, then fixation is simplified, but adhesive bonding may fail under high temperature and stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation complexityVSAvoidadhesive bonding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding is extracted from being the sole fixation method and is supplemented by the mechanical connection through the connecting web and the profile structure. This removes the excessive burden from the adhesive, allowing it to perform its sealing and bonding function without being the sole load-bearing element under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a foamable seal is added to prevent gas passage, then gas-tight sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas-tight sealingVSAvoidsealing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal changes its physical parameters (volume, density, shape) in response to temperature changes. The foamable seal remains compact during normal conditions but expands when exposed to fire temperatures, automatically adjusting its sealing properties based on the thermal environment without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration reduces heat transfer and maintains the fire-resistant glass's fixation, extending the fire resistance time by minimizing thermal stress and preventing gas leakage, ensuring effective heat insulation and gas sealing.

Implementation Method 1

The fire protection glass is fixed directly in the holder with an adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a foamable seal to prevent gas passage and maintain fixation during fires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 3

thermally separated profiles connected via a low-conductivity connecting web

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3022376B1Fixing of a fire-resistant glass in a frame

Publication Date: 2022.04.13 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

Figure 1

AI summary

The fire-resistant component comprises at least one fire-resistant glass, for example in the form of a fire-resistant pane or a composite fire-resistant pane and a frame. The fire-resistant glass is held in a mounting on the frame so as to leave a rebate clearance space at the edge of the fire-resistant glass. A foamable seal is placed on the edge of the fire-resistant glass so that a foaming operation at least partially seals a passage through the rebate clearance space. The fire-resistant glass is fixed in the mounting by means of an adhesive.