Stacked Gypsum Firestop Sleeve for Precise Beam Penetrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional penetration part fireproof covering materials in wooden buildings face challenges in achieving sufficient dimensional accuracy and high production costs, particularly when forming tubular members for fireproof penetration parts, which can lead to gaps and reduced fireproofing effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A fireproof covering material is formed by stacking and unitarily connecting annular gypsum board pieces of specific thicknesses, fixed with metal fasteners, to create a tubular shape that snugly fits into penetration parts, ensuring accurate and cost-effective fireproofing without the need for custom molds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a tubular member is formed by casting firestop material into a tubular mold, then the firestop function is provided, but sufficient dimensional accuracy cannot be obtained and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracy of tubular memberVSAvoidproduction cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular member is divided into multiple linear members that are stacked to form the complete tubular structure. Each linear member can be manufactured with standard dimensional accuracy using simple processes, and when stacked, they collectively provide the required firestop function with better overall dimensional control compared to casting a single complex tubular mold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses standard, readily available linear members (such as metal pipes or structural elements) instead of custom-cast tubular members. These standard components are more economical to procure and install, eliminating the need for expensive custom molds and casting processes while still providing effective firestop coverage when properly stacked and sealed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If a custom tubular mold is created for each penetration part, then dimensional accuracy improves, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit accuracy of tubular member to penetration partVSAvoidmold creation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked linear member configuration can be adapted to various penetration part sizes and shapes by adjusting the number, dimensions, and arrangement of the linear members. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom molds for each penetration scenario, as the same basic stacking principle applies across different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for flexible adjustment of the tubular structure's dimensions and configuration by selecting different linear member sizes, lengths, and stacking arrangements. This dynamic adaptability provides the necessary fit accuracy for different penetration parts without requiring fixed, custom-made molds for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the tubular member does not snugly fit the penetration part, then installation is easier, but fireproofing effectiveness is reduced due to gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation ease of tubular memberVSAvoidfireproofing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked linear member structure can incorporate flexible sealing elements, gaskets, or intumescent materials between the linear members and against the penetration part walls. These flexible components accommodate slight dimensional variations and installation tolerances while maintaining effective fireproofing by sealing gaps that would otherwise compromise fire resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates potential gaps between the tubular member and penetration part by incorporating compensatory sealing mechanisms or adjustable components that can be tuned during installation to eliminate gaps. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures fireproofing effectiveness is maintained even if the initial fit is not perfectly snug.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11624185B2Penetration part fireproof coating material
Publication Date: 2023.04.11 YOSHINO GYPSUM CO LTD
  • US11624185B2 patent drawing
  • US11624185B2 patent drawing
  • US11624185B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A penetration part fireproof covering material used when a penetration part covered for fireproof is formed in a fireproof beam that is a fireproof constructional member that constitutes a wooden building, wherein the penetration part fireproof covering material is formed to have a tubular shape by stacking a plurality of gypsum board pieces (13a) formed from gypsum boards in a thickness direction and unitarily connecting the plurality of gypsum board pieces. The penetration part fireproof covering material is formed to have the tubular shape by stacking the plurality of gypsum board pieces that preferably have an annular shape and are cut out from commercially available gypsum boards having thicknesses of 9.5 mm to 25.5 mm while fixing the plurality of gypsum board pieces to each other preferably using metal fasteners such as staples, and unitarily connecting the plurality of gypsum board pieces.