Flat Fireproof Closure Using Segmented Metal Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fireproof closures, such as glass doors, require specialized U-shaped steel profiles for each glass thickness, leading to complexity and unevenness due to the need for cutting, which complicates production and installation, and existing solutions with divided metal profiles are difficult to produce and involve complex welding.

Innovation Solution

A fireproof closure design using simple metal strips with attached U-profiles and a dimensionally stable refractory workpiece, such as a hardwood strip, that covers the fire protection pane, allowing for adjustable thickness and improved fire protection without complex processing, and optionally incorporating an intumescent material for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a U-shaped steel profile is used to hold the fire protection pane, then the structure is simple and fire protection is acceptable, but a separate profile is needed for each glass thickness and cutting creates tension leading to bending and unevenness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different glass thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The metal profile is divided into two partial profiles that are spaced apart in the area of the front surface of the fire protection pane. Each partial profile has a first limb and a second limb with a web extending perpendicularly from the first limb. This segmentation allows the same profile design to accommodate different glass thicknesses without requiring custom profiles for each thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divided metal profile design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adaptation to various glass thicknesses through the spacing between partial profiles, maintains fire protection performance, and eliminates the need for cutting operations. The universal design works across different glass thicknesses without requiring modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the metal profile is divided into two partial profiles to increase fire protection and enable independent installation, then fire protection and adaptability are improved, but production becomes difficult due to complicated shape and complex welding work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection durationVSAvoidproduction difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The profile is segmented into two partial profiles with specific geometric features (limbs and webs) that simplify manufacturing compared to a complex one-piece design. The segmentation allows for standardized production of each partial profile using simpler forming processes rather than complex welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the geometric parameters of the profile to create a configuration that is easier to manufacture. By defining the profile in terms of limbs and webs with specific orientations, the manufacturing process becomes simpler while maintaining or improving fire protection performance through the spaced-apart configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple metal strip with attached U-profile and refractory workpiece is used, then production is simplified and fire protection is improved by reducing heat transfer, but additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is segmented into distinct functional components: a simple metal strip for mounting, a U-profile for structural support, and a refractory workpiece for fire protection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall production complexity despite the multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple functional elements (metal strip, U-profile, refractory workpiece) into an integrated holder assembly that provides mounting, structural support, and fire protection functions. While this creates multiple components, each component remains simple in design, and their combination achieves superior fire protection through reduced heat transfer compared to a single integrated profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cost-effective, visually appealing, and highly effective fireproof closure that meets stringent fire protection requirements by reducing heat transfer and ensuring proper alignment, while simplifying production and installation, and further enhances fire protection with an intumescent material.

Implementation Method 1

the area of which overlapping the fire-resistant pane is glued to the fire-resistant pane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

In addition to its function as a heat insulator and thus avoidance of a thermal bridge from the fire side to the side of the door facing away from the fire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

an outer layer of an intumescent material, preferably a strip of material that expands under the action of heat, which in the event of a fire closes the door gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescent expansion: Intumescent Materials

Data Source

PatentEP2427620B1Flat fireproof closure
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 PROMAT GMBH(DE)
  • EP2427620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flat, fireproof closure, in particular a glass door, for fire protection purposes in order to prevent the spreading of fire and smoke from a first area to an adjacent second area in the event of a fire, comprising a fire protection pane which on at least one edge bears a metal profile that partially extends over the lateral surfaces of the pane and is divided into two mutually spaced partial profiles in the face region of the fire protection pane, the closure being characterized in that the two partial profiles consist of a simple metal strip that is arranged at the associated lateral surface of the fire protection pane, wherein the area that extends over the fire protection pane is glued to the pane, and a U-shaped profile which is fixed to the inside of the metal strip at the free area thereof and the opening of which between the free limbs is directed inward and, with the U-shaped profile that is accordingly arranged opposite, forms a space for receiving a dimensionally stable, insulating and fireproof workpiece, wherein the fireproof workpiece that is inserted and held by the U-shaped profiles of the two partial profiles completely covers the face of the fire protection pane.