Multi-Layer Fire Safety Tape for Building Joints
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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 during fires, necessitating the development of a more effective sealing solution.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer fire safety tape composed of a flexible backing layer, closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier, intumescent material, and outer protective layer, which retards heat flow and provides enhanced sealing capabilities by using closed-cell polymer foam as a heat barrier and intumescent material for expansion, applied to framing members and joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional intumescent sealant or single-layer tape is used to seal linear joints, then the sealing function is provided, but the thermal insulation performance and fire resistance duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple functional layers: a first closed-cell foam layer for primary thermal insulation, an intumescent layer for fire expansion, and a second closed-cell foam layer for additional thermal barrier. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, achieving superior thermal insulation and fire resistance compared to single-layer solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties: closed-cell foam materials for thermal insulation and intumescent materials for fire response. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each material type to achieve both thermal barrier and fire resistance functions simultaneously.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thicker single-layer sealing material is used to improve fire resistance, then thermal insulation improves, but flexibility and ease of application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick layer, the system divides the total thickness into multiple thinner layers with different functions. Each layer remains flexible and easy to apply, while collectively providing extended fire resistance duration through the combined thermal barriers and intumescent expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are optimized for different local functions: the closed-cell foam layers provide thermal insulation where needed, while the intumescent layer provides fire expansion response. This local optimization allows each layer to be thin and flexible while the combination achieves the required fire resistance duration.
3Reliability
If multiple layers of sealing material are applied to enhance fire resistance, then fire protection improves, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional layers are merged into a single integrated tape product with factory-applied adhesives. This combining allows the product to be installed as one unit rather than requiring separate application of multiple materials, maintaining high fire protection effectiveness while significantly improving installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layers and layer bonding are performed in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly and multi-step installation processes, allowing the multi-layer system to be applied quickly and efficiently while maintaining reliable fire protection.
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 fire safety tape significantly prolongs the time it takes for heat to be transmitted through sealed joints, passing stringent UL fire tests and providing improved fire resistance and smoke containment compared to traditional intumescent caulks, sprays, and tapes.
Implementation Method 1
flexible closed-cell polymer foam layer... that retards heat flow
Implementation Method 2
intumescent material layer... for expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer fire safety tape comprising a flexible closed-cell polymer foam layer adjoined to a flexible intumescent material layer is disclosed, including methods of making and using the same. The multi-layer fire safety tape is preferably composed of, in series, a flexible backing/release layer; a flexible closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer; a first adhesive interface layer between the backing/release layer and the closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer; a flexible intumescent material layer; a second adhesive interface layer between the intumescent material layer and the closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer; and a flexible outer protective layer. In further embodiments, the multi-layer fire safety tape of the present invention further comprises a second closed-cell polymer foam layer adjacent to the intumescent material layer and/or the outer protective layer.