Thin-Walled Hollow Profile Triggering Device for Ventilation Ducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ventilation systems pose a risk of fire spread through transmission of hot gases and sparks between rooms, and existing triggering devices for shut-off and smoke extraction elements are complex and disrupt airflow due to design requirements.

Innovation Solution

A structurally simple, encapsulated triggering device with a pin-like holding member made of thin-walled materials, featuring a hollow profile and cap, which allows for aerodynamically favorable operation and reliable thermal triggering without compromising airflow or durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fusible link consisting of two partially superimposed plates is used, then the triggering device can reliably trigger the shut-off element, but the device complexity increases and airflow is disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable triggeringVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fusible link is divided into two plates (first and second plates) that are partially superimposed and connected together. This segmentation allows the link to be held securely by the holder while maintaining reliability in triggering the shut-off element when exposed to fire conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If plate holders are provided to hold the plates, then the fusible link can be securely mounted, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with separate holding regions for the first and second plates, allowing secure mounting of each plate individually. This segmented approach enables reliable mounting while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to a fully enclosed complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If an opening is left in the housing for the fusible link, then air can contact the fusible link for thermal triggering, but the airflow becomes turbulent and flow disadvantages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal triggeringVSAvoidairflow disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with specific local features including holding regions for the plates and a recess for the fusible link. This localized structural design allows thermal contact with the fusible link while minimizing disruption to the overall airflow pattern through the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary structure that positions the fusible link in a way that enables thermal triggering from the airflow while preventing direct turbulence. The holder mediates between the airflow and the fusible link, allowing heat transfer without creating flow disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If the holding element has an encapsulated pin-like design, then manufacturing costs are reduced and protection against water and corrosion is improved, but the thermal triggering capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costsVSAvoidthermal triggering capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is designed as a hollow profile with thin-walled construction, providing an encapsulated pin-like structure. This thin-walled design allows thermal energy to penetrate and trigger the fusible link while maintaining protection against water and corrosion, and simplifying manufacturing compared to solid structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow profile is divided into functional segments including a holding region for the fusible link and a cap region. This segmentation allows the encapsulated structure to maintain thermal triggering capability at the link location while providing protective encapsulation elsewhere, balancing manufacturing simplicity with functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures reliable and efficient closure of ventilation system lines during fires while maintaining airflow integrity and reducing manufacturing costs, with components accessible for maintenance and easy replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The thin walls allow rapid access of the heat from the air flowing around the holding element in the vicinity of the solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The fusible link consists of two partially superimposed plates, which are connected to each other with a fusible link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP1762276B1Trip device to trip a closing member which seals at least one duct of an air system
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 WILDEBOER WERNER
  • EP1762276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1762276B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1762276B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Releasing device has a holding element, which is formed as a hollow section (12). A hood (14) is attached in the conduit at the free end of the holding element. The hollow profile and the hood are formed from a thin-walled material.