Multi-layer Fire Safety Tape for Building Framing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire blocking sealant systems for linear construction joints in building construction are inadequate in effectively impeding the transmission of fire and smoke, as they fail to provide sufficient thermal insulation and durability, leading to incomplete sealing and sound transmission issues during fires.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer fire safety tape composed of a flexible backing layer, a thermal barrier layer made of closed-cell polymer foam, an adhesive interface, an intumescent material layer, and a protective outer layer, applied to sheet metal framing members to create a fire-resistant and sound-reducing seal at linear construction joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional intumescent caulk or spray is applied to seal linear joints, then the joint is sealed against fire and smoke, but the thermal insulation is insufficient and sound transmission is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multi-layer composite tape system consisting of: (1) an intumescent layer for fire resistance, (2) a thermal barrier layer made of closed-cell foam for thermal insulation, and (3) an acoustic damping layer for sound reduction. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with different functional properties, where each layer addresses a specific deficiency of traditional single-material sealants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire safety tape is divided into distinct functional layers, each performing a specific function: the intumescent layer expands to seal gaps during fire, the thermal barrier layer provides continuous thermal insulation, and the acoustic layer reduces sound transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the others, thereby improving overall performance.
2Reliability
If traditional intumescent tape is used to seal linear joints, then fire resistance is provided, but durability and completeness of sealing are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple material layers with complementary properties: the intumescent layer provides fire resistance, the closed-cell foam thermal barrier layer provides durability and moisture resistance, and the acoustic layer adds structural integrity. This composite construction ensures that each layer protects and enhances the others, improving overall durability and sealing completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier layer made of closed-cell foam acts as a protective cushion for the intumescent layer, shielding it from environmental degradation such as moisture and physical damage before fire exposure occurs. This beforehand protection ensures the intumescent layer remains effective and durable throughout the building's service life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fire blocking sealant is applied to linear joints, then fire transmission is impeded, but sound transmission between rooms is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer fire safety tape is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: fire resistance through the intumescent layer, thermal insulation through the closed-cell foam layer, and acoustic damping through the acoustic layer. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by addressing both fire safety and sound privacy requirements in a single integrated product.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of intumescent material, closed-cell foam, and acoustic damping materials creates a composite structure where each material contributes its unique properties. The acoustic layer specifically targets sound transmission reduction while the other layers maintain fire resistance, achieving both objectives without compromise.
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 multi-layer tape significantly enhances fire resistance and sound insulation by slowing heat transfer and reducing sound transmission between rooms, outperforming traditional intumescent caulks and tapes in UL fire tests, while maintaining durability and ease of application.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal barrier layer made of closed-cell polymer foam
Implementation Method 2
an intumescent material layer
Data Source
AI summary
Fire rated building construction framing members and related wall assemblies are disclosed that comprise a sheet metal framing member (all profiles) in combination with a new type of multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape. The multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape comprises a flexible thermal barrier layer attached to a flexible intumescent material layer. In combination, the thermal barrier layer comprises a thermoplastic material that is on a surface of the sheet metal framing member, whereas the thermal barrier layer is attached to the intumescent layer such that the thermal barrier layer is between the sheet metal framing member and the intumescent layer. The multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape slows and impedes the spread of fire and smoke (during a fire) and also reduces sound transmission between adjacent rooms in a building.