Fire Shutter Guide Assembly for Endlock Retention Under Fire Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire shutter guide assemblies are inadequate in retaining endlocks during fire events and extreme wind loads, as they rely on a single point of contact which is not optimized for such conditions.
Innovation Solution
The improved guide assembly features multiple bends, including a 180-degree bend that stores internal stress, allowing the guide to apply a greater constraining force against the endlocks during fires and extreme wind loads, while maintaining a relatively small profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single point of contact is used in the guide assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of retaining endlocks during fire events and extreme wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly is segmented into multiple contact points instead of a single point of contact. The guide member includes a first contact point and a second contact point that are spaced apart, allowing each segment to independently engage with the endlock and distribute the retention forces during fire events and extreme wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a single-point contact to a multi-point contact system distributed across different spatial dimensions. The contact points are positioned at different locations along the guide member, creating a distributed retention system that engages the endlock from multiple dimensional perspectives, enhancing overall reliability.
2Force
If multiple bends including a 180-degree bend are added to the guide assembly, then the constraining force against endlocks is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member incorporates multiple bends including a 180-degree bend that creates curved geometries. These curved sections are strategically positioned to store internal stress and generate constraining forces against the endlock during thermal expansion and pressure events, transforming the straight guide into a curved, stress-storing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly utilizes changes in geometric parameters, specifically the introduction of multiple bends with specific angles (including 180 degrees). These parameter changes in the guide member's geometry create internal stress storage capabilities that translate into increased constraining forces during operational extremes.
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 enhanced guide assembly effectively retains the fire shutter within the guide assembly during fires and extreme wind loads, providing increased stability and preventing the fire shutter from opening or being blown out.
Implementation Method 1
The fire shutter may thermally expand and bow due to the heat and pressure generated by the fire
Implementation Method 2
the internal stress may be released or relaxed to allow the portion of the guide that is bent approximately 180 degrees to move towards the endlock
Data Source
AI summary
In example implementations, a guide member is provided. The guide member includes a first portion to receive a first fastener to a second guide member to form a guide assembly having a gap, wherein an endlock of a fire shutter is positioned within the gap, a second portion to receive a second fastener to a wall, a third portion folded against the second portion, a fourth portion bent at 90-degrees or greater to the third portion.