Fire-resistant Glazing Holder with Thermal Break and Alignment Template
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-resistant glazing systems are complex to assemble, prone to installation errors, and have thermal bridging issues due to the need for precise alignment of steel profiles, which affects their fire-resistant properties and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A holder system with pre-assembled holding profiles and removable adjustment templates that allow for precise alignment and easy assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site alignment and reducing the risk of errors, while using fastening elements and insulating elements to prevent thermal bridging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel hollow profiles are used to hold fire-resistant panes, then structural strength is improved, but thermal bridging occurs reducing fire resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating element as an intermediary component between the steel hollow profiles and the fire-resistant pane. This mediator prevents direct thermal contact between the metal profiles, eliminating the thermal bridge effect while maintaining the structural support function of the steel profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder system combines different materials with complementary properties: steel hollow profiles provide structural strength, while insulating elements (such as thermal breaks or insulating inserts) provide thermal resistance. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both mechanical strength and fire resistance by preventing heat transfer through the metal components.
2Reliability
If precise alignment of steel profiles is required, then fire resistance is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features directly into the holder system design, such as positioning elements, guide rails, or pre-marked alignment references on the steel profiles. These preliminary alignment provisions are built into the components during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site alignment procedures and reducing assembly complexity while ensuring consistent fire resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder system includes self-aligning features where components automatically position themselves during assembly. For example, the insulating elements or mounting brackets may have built-in positioning mechanisms that guide correct placement without requiring external alignment tools or skilled manual adjustment, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining precise positioning for fire resistance.
3Reliability
If wide frames with protective strips are used, then fire resistance is improved, but visual appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fire protective measures only where thermally necessary rather than across the entire frame perimeter. The insulating elements are strategically positioned at critical thermal bridge locations (such as profile joints or contact points with masonry), allowing the frame to maintain a sleek, minimal appearance in non-critical areas while still providing adequate fire resistance through localized insulation.
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 holder system simplifies the assembly process, reduces installation errors, and maintains a good insulating effect by ensuring precise alignment and preventing thermal bridging, thus enhancing the fire-resistant properties of the glazing.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating element (20) between corresponding fastening elements (5a, 5b) is provided
Data Source
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AI summary
The support (3) has retaining profiles (3a, 3b) i.e. hollow metal profiles, that are parallel spaced-apart and attachable to a space limiting structure (4). The retaining profiles are thermally mounted and/or separately formed by fastening elements (5a, 5b), so that temperature transfer from one of the retaining profiles to the other retaining profile is avoided. The retaining profiles are mutually connected to each other by mounting the fastening elements through a removable adjustable mold that is formed by a sheet metal strip. An independent claim is also included for a fire protection glazing.