Flush Fire-Resistant Glazing Using Hydrogel and Thin Film Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-resistant glazing systems compromise on aesthetics due to protruding metal fitting elements, which interrupt the clear optical line and lack a flush surface, while also facing challenges with moisture susceptibility and weight in fire protection panes using solid silicate-containing intumescent intermediate layers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double lamination design with glass panes set back relative to each other, forming a shiplap, and filled with a fire protection gel, along with a polyvinyl butyral adhesive for bonding, creates a flush surface and enhances fire protection by using toughened safety glass and a hydrogel-based fire protection system, reducing weight and moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fitting elements are used to hold the glass surfaces, then the structural stability is ensured, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to protruding elements interrupting the clear optical line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, transparent adhesive film (polyvinyl butyral) to bond the glass panes and fitting elements, replacing traditional protruding metal fittings. This thin film maintains structural stability while being optically invisible, thus preserving the aesthetic appearance and clear optical line of the glazing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity by making all visible surfaces (glass panes and fitting elements) have the same thickness and optical properties. The transparent adhesive ensures that the bonding layer is homogeneous and invisible, creating a uniform, seamless appearance across the entire glazing assembly.
2Temperature
If solid silicate-containing intumescent intermediate layers are used for fire protection, then fire resistance is achieved, but moisture susceptibility increases leading to clouding and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and physical state of the fire protection material from solid silicate-containing intumescent layers to a hydrogel-based fire protection gel. This parameter change transforms the material from moisture-susceptible solid form to a moisture-resistant gel form that maintains fire protection capabilities while eliminating clouding issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system combining hydrogel with fire protection properties. The hydrogel matrix provides moisture resistance and structural integrity, while embedded fire protection agents maintain thermal resistance. This composite approach simultaneously achieves fire resistance and moisture susceptibility reduction.
3Temperature
If solid silicate-containing intumescent intermediate layers are used, then fire protection is provided, but the weight of the glazing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and density parameters of the fire protection material from solid silicate layers to a hydrogel-based gel system. The gel form has lower density and weight while maintaining fire protection functionality through its hydrogel matrix and embedded fire retardant agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the gel-based (hydrogel) fire protection system which, while not pneumatic or hydraulic in operation, shares the characteristic of using a fluid-like gel medium instead of solid materials. This gel medium provides fire protection with reduced weight compared to solid silicate layers.
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
This design achieves a visually appealing, aesthetically elegant fire-resistant glazing system with improved smoke tightness and stability, reducing weight and moisture susceptibility while maintaining high fire resistance, and effectively preventing the passage of fire and smoke.
Implementation Method 1
fire protection gel, in particular a hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
bonded to one another by means of a polyvinyl butyral adhesive
Implementation Method 3
one of the glass panes of the double lamination is set back relative to the other glass pane of the double lamination, forming a shiplap
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to fire-resistant glazing for preventing the passage of fire and smoke from one room to another in the event of a fire, comprising at least two glass surfaces consisting of fire-resistant panes 2, wherein the fire-resistant panes 2 have two glass panes spaced apart from each other by means of an edge seal 5 and the space enclosed by the edge seal 5 between the glass panes is filled with a fire-resistant gel 6, which is characterized in that a further glass pane 2a, covering the fire-resistant pane 2, is arranged directly on an outer surface of a fire-resistant pane 2.