Head-of-wall firestopping insulation for fluted deck channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-of-wall firestopping methods for fluted steel decks are time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly when dealing with trapezoidal ceiling runner channels, necessitating additional firestopping pillows to effectively seal the head-of-wall area between the wall structure and the fluted deck.
Innovation Solution
A head-of-wall firestopping construction using resin-impregnated moldable mineral wool or fiber insulation members with inclined surfaces for frictional engagement within ceiling runner channels, combined with covers for enhanced firestopping, allowing for efficient sealing of the head-of-wall area with minimal moving parts and easy installation before or after wall construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional firestopping gasket system is applied on top of the track with additional firestopping pillows in flute areas, then firestopping effectiveness is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the firestopping gasket system and firestopping pillows into a single integrated insulation member that simultaneously performs both firestopping functions. The insulation member includes a main body portion that seals the head-of-wall area and extended portions that fit into the flute areas of the fluted deck, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing labor intensity while maintaining firestopping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the firestopping gasket on top of the track and the firestopping pillows within the flute areas. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address all firestopping requirements for fluted deck constructions, improving installation efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If additional firestopping pillows are positioned in each flute area, then firestopping sealing is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple firestopping components (gasket and pillows) into a single integrated insulation member. This unified component maintains all necessary firestopping sealing functions while reducing the total number of parts, simplifying the overall system, and making installation more straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation member is segmented into different portions (main body portion and extended portions) that fit into different locations (head-of-wall area and flute areas). This segmentation allows the single component to effectively seal multiple areas without requiring multiple separate parts, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive firestopping sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firestopping is performed after wall and ceiling constructions are fully assembled, then construction sequence flexibility is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation member is designed to be installable in advance during the framing stage, before the fluted deck is installed. The extended portions of the insulation member are positioned to fit into the flute areas of the fluted deck before the deck is placed, making the firestopping installation easier and more accessible. This preliminary action approach maintains construction sequence flexibility while significantly reducing installation difficulty compared to working in confined spaces after full assembly.
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 solution provides a more efficient and effective firestopping system that reduces installation time and labor, effectively sealing the head-of-wall area with conventional insulating materials like mineral wool, while allowing for movement and accommodating various wall widths and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
resin-impregnated moldable mineral wool or fiber insulation members with inclined surfaces for frictional engagement within ceiling runner channels
Data Source
AI summary
A firestopping insulation construction adapted to be positioned adjacent to a head-of-wall area beneath a ceiling construction having fluted ceiling runner channels which have a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile facing downwardly. The insulation assembly includes an upper plug mated the shape of the fluted channel which is at least partially surrounded by an outer cover and further includes a lower insulation section extending over the side walls of the head-of-wall area. The upper insulation plug and the lower insulation sections are preferably made of molded high temperature insulation. The insulation assembly is engaged only frictionally to the fluted ceiling channels.