Multilayer Firestop Gap Filler for Stable Fire Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive fire-resistant systems fail to maintain mechanical stability and insulating capacity for extended periods when exposed to high temperatures, particularly in large spaces or gaps, and do not ensure watertightness after fire extinguishing.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered system comprising fire-resistant elastomeric foam layers with a closed-cell structure and stiffer polymer layers that become adhesive upon temperature rise, suppressing foam expansion and maintaining insulation, combined with thermally expandable graphite for enhanced stability and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire resistant elastomeric foam with closed-cell structure is used to fill large spaces or gaps, then fire resistance is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fire resistant elastomeric foam with a stiffer polymer material to create a composite system. The foam provides fire resistance while the stiffer polymer maintains mechanical stability, resolving the contradiction between fire protection and structural strength in large spaces or gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in the polymer material, which transitions from a rigid state at room temperature to an adhesive state at elevated temperatures. This allows the material to maintain mechanical stability during normal conditions while providing fire resistance when needed
2Duration of action of moving object
If an elastomeric foam expands upon exposure to heat, then protection time against fire is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent parameter change of the polymer material, which remains mechanically stable at room temperature but transitions to an adhesive state at fire temperatures. This parameter change allows the material to expand and extend protection time while maintaining structural integrity during the transition
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer material undergoes a phase transition from a rigid state to an adhesive state in response to heat. This phase transition enables the material to maintain mechanical stability initially, then expand and adhere to surrounding structures during fire exposure, extending protection time without catastrophic failure
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second material becomes adhesive upon temperature rise, then suppression of foam expansion is improved, but adhesion control becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent parameter change of the polymer material, which transitions from non-adhesive at room temperature to adhesive at elevated temperatures. This automatic parameter change based on temperature eliminates the need for complex adhesion control mechanisms during manufacturing, as adhesion occurs naturally during fire exposure
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 system effectively resists fire spread and maintains mechanical stability and insulating properties for longer periods, withstanding high temperatures and remaining watertight after fire extinguishing, as demonstrated by its ability to carry significant loads and resist water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
fire resistant elastomeric foam having a closed-cell structure
Implementation Method 2
each second layer has surfaces which, as an initial response to a rise in their temperature from room temperature, exhibits a transition into an adhesive
Implementation Method 3
thermally expandable graphite for enhanced stability and adhesion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A passive fire resistant system for filling a space or gap confined by construction elements, for resisting the spread of a nearby fire through the space or gap, wherein the system comprises: at least two first layers of a first material which comprises a fire resistant elastomeric foam having a closed cell structure; and at least one second layer of a second material sandwiched between two first layers, the second material comprising a polymer and each second layer having surfaces which, as an initial response to a rise in their temperature from room temperature, exhibit a transition into an adhesive, the first and second layers extending parallel to each other, the second material being stiffer than the first material.