Fixing Cover Filler and Grip Design Against Corrosion Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing covers in steel structures allow air or moisture ingress, leading to corrosion, which is not adequately addressed by existing fire-resistant covers.
Innovation Solution
A fixing cover with a filler and gripping means that inhibits air or moisture ingress by filling the space between the cover and the fixing, using materials like silicone gel or a corrosion-inhibiting solid tablet, and includes resilient arms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fire resistant cover is placed over the fixing, then protection from heat damage is improved, but air or moisture can ingress between the inner surface of the cover and the fixing leading to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A filler material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fixing cover and the fixing head. This filler seals the gap that would otherwise allow air and moisture ingress, while also providing thermal insulation to protect the fixing from heat damage during fire conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing protection system uses composite construction by combining the fixing cover (fire resistant material) with a filler material (sealant/adhesive) to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides both thermal protection and corrosion resistance through the synergistic combination of different materials.
2Reliability
If a filler material is used to seal the space between the cover and fixing, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single filler material component: sealing (corrosion prevention), thermal insulation (heat protection), and potential structural bonding. This consolidation avoids the need for separate sealing components, gaskets, or additional fastening elements, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving multiple protection goals.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-curing filler is used with gripping means, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the filling of air spaces may be less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The filler material's properties are selected to achieve optimal balance between manufacturability and sealing effectiveness. Non-curing fillers (such as greases or pastes) are used to enable easy application and assembly, while their viscosity and adhesion characteristics are controlled to ensure adequate gap filling and sealing performance without requiring curing processes.
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
Prevents corrosion and heat transfer, maintaining the integrity of fixings by sealing and securing the cover to the fixing, enhancing protection against fire and environmental degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a filler material into a fixing cover to cover an inner surface of a fixing cover... the filler is adapted to fill a space between the fixing cover and the fixing
Implementation Method 2
The filler comprises a corrosion inhibitor... The solid tablet releases a vapour that inhibits corrosion
Implementation Method 3
The gripping means may comprise one or more resilient arms... The gripping means may be made of a material which can flex and has some spring characteristics to allow for plastic deformation
Implementation Method 4
The filler may comprise an insulating, preferably thermally insulating, material... improving the protection of the fixing from heat
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing cover (12) configured to cover an exposed portion of a fixing (10), the fixing cover (12) comprising a filler (20) and gripping means (40).