Fire Resistant Membrane for Raised Flooring Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raised flooring systems with non-combustible materials face challenges in reducing vibration and noise, and preventing galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals, as existing gaskets lack sufficient fire resistance and can facilitate corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A membrane composed of a fibre mat, preferably made of glass fibres, coated or impregnated with silicone rubber, is applied between the pedestal and the supported member to provide shock absorption, electrical isolation, and non-combustibility, meeting EN 13501-1 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gaskets are used to reduce vibration and noise, then vibration damping is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining glass fibre mat (providing fire resistance and structural integrity) with silicone rubber coating (providing vibration damping and noise reduction). This composite structure achieves both vibration damping performance and A1 fire resistance classification, resolving the contradiction between traditional gasket vibration reduction and fire safety requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If gaskets are placed between dissimilar metals to reduce vibration, then noise is reduced, but galvanic corrosion is facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane acts as an intermediary layer between dissimilar metals (e.g., steel pedestal and aluminium joist). The silicone rubber coating and glass fibre mat combination provides both noise reduction through vibration damping and galvanic corrosion prevention through electrical isolation, eliminating the harmful effect of direct metal contact while maintaining the beneficial noise reduction function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-combustible materials are used throughout the flooring system, then fire resistance is improved, but vibration damping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials with specific properties in different layers of the membrane structure. The glass fibre mat provides non-combustible properties (A1 fire rating) while the silicone rubber coating provides vibration damping. This localized material assignment allows the system to achieve both fire resistance and vibration damping without compromising either property.
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 membrane effectively dampens vibration, prevents galvanic corrosion, and offers high fire resistance, ensuring A1 non-combustible protection, while maintaining electrical isolation and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
Shock absorption and damping of vibration, due to the elastomeric nature of the silicone rubber
Implementation Method 2
damping of vibration, due to the elastomeric nature of the silicone rubber
Implementation Method 3
Electrical isolation of the material of the pedestal from the supported member to mitigate galvanic corrosion in the presence of an electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A flooring system has a pedestal having a support surface, a membrane comprising a fibre mat and an elastomeric material coating, and/or impregnated into, the fibre mat. The membrane is applied to the support surface to act as a layer between the pedestal and a supported member forming part of a floor structure.