Heat-Activated Firestop Insert for Cast-In Wall Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection solutions for buildings require additional steps and are not activated until after the wall or ceiling is cast, leaving no protection until mounted, and cannot be installed in confined spaces or during the casting process.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection element with a heat-activatable drive mechanism that allows the fire protection insert to be mounted within the wall or ceiling during casting, which moves into position in front of the opening during a fire, using springs, bimetal, or expandable gas to apply force and activate the insert early, ensuring reliable closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fire protection sleeves are mounted outside the wall, then the fire protection means can be heated more rapidly in the event of a fire, but the fire protection can only be installed after the wall or ceiling has already been cast, requiring additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection insert is pre-installed within the wall or ceiling structure during the casting process, before the wall is complete. This preliminary action allows the fire protection to be activated early in the event of a fire while avoiding the need for additional installation steps after the wall is cast.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection insert is nested within the wall or ceiling structure, with the insert positioned inside the wall thickness. This nesting allows the fire protection to benefit from the wall structure while still being heat-activatable, resolving the contradiction between rapid heating and ease of installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If fire protection means are installed after the wall or ceiling has been cast, then the installation is simpler, but there is no fire protection until the sleeves are mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection insert is installed during the wall casting process itself, so that fire protection is available from the moment the wall is completed. This eliminates the gap period where no fire protection exists, while the insert remains integrated within the wall structure for straightforward installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fire protection is integrated into the wall structure, then it can be installed during casting, but the fire protection means is passively cooled by the surrounding wall
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection insert is positioned within the wall structure but with localized heat activation capability. The insert is designed to be heated rapidly from the interior or exterior surface, creating a local heating zone that overcomes the passive cooling effect of the surrounding wall material.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection insert is pre-positioned within the wall during casting, allowing it to be activated early in the event of a fire. The insert's positioning and design enable it to respond quickly to heat exposure despite being embedded in the wall structure.
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
Enables early activation and reliable closure of openings during a fire, allowing for installation during wall or ceiling production and in confined spaces, using various fire protection materials and a smoke seal for comprehensive protection.
Implementation Method 1
heat-activatable drive means... in the event of a fire, being moved by the heat-activatable drive means into a use position
Implementation Method 2
Intumescent materials in particular are suitable for the inserts. In the event of a fire, the intumescent material foams up under the effect of heat and closes the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection element for sealing a combustible body which penetrates an opening in a wall or ceiling, in the event of a fire, contains a fire protection insert and a heat-activatable drive for the fire protection insert, wherein the fire protection insert is in an initial position within the wall or ceiling and, in the event of a fire, is moved into a use position in which the fire protection insert is at least partially outside the wall or ceiling.