Fire-Resistant Insulating Connection with Hook Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermally insulating and fire-resistant connections for refrigeration equipment fail to maintain structural integrity during mechanical or thermal damage, such as in the event of a fire, leading to potential collapse and loss of thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A hook connection system within the insulating body, comprising a saddle arm and ring mechanism, where two threaded connectors are captively held together by the hook connection upon displacement, ensuring the connection remains secure even after mechanical or thermal damage, utilizing a polyurethane filling compound and coaxial threaded connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional insulating panels with low load-bearing capacity are used for thermal insulation in cold rooms, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but structural stability and fire resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device uses a composite structure combining a metal outer shell with internal metal reinforcement elements (saddle arms, rings, threaded connectors). This composite metal construction provides both the required structural strength and fire resistance while maintaining thermal insulation performance through the insulating body design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If threaded connectors are used to fasten insulating panels, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but reliability under fire conditions deteriorates due to insulating body degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidconnection reliability under fire
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metal saddle arms and rings are pre-installed within the insulating body to provide a backup mechanical connection system. In case the insulating body degrades under fire conditions, the metal hook connection serves as a pre-prepared safety mechanism that maintains connection reliability without requiring additional components or complex assembly.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The metal saddle arms act as intermediary elements between the threaded connectors and the overall structure. They transfer and distribute mechanical loads while providing a fire-resistant connection path that bypasses the thermally degrading insulating material, ensuring continued reliability under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple insulating connections are used for refrigeration equipment, then ease of installation is improved, but safety and structural integrity under damage conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural integrity under damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: thermal insulation containment, mechanical fastening through threaded connectors, and fire/damage resistance through the metal saddle arm hook connection. This unified design provides enhanced safety and structural integrity while maintaining ease of installation as a pre-assembled unit.

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 thermally insulating, fire-resistant connection that maintains structural integrity and prevents collapse during damage or fire, ensuring the refrigeration system remains securely attached to ceilings or walls while maintaining thermal separation.

Implementation Method 1

a cylindrical body (3) made of insulating material, preferably polyurethane filling compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP1752669B1Cold insulating and fire resistant connection device
Publication Date: 2011.09.21 KORFF MICHAEL
  • EP1752669B1 patent drawingFigure 13

AI summary

The body has two saddle arms (6, 10) whose ends are firmly connected with associated rings (5, 9). Threaded connecting pieces are positioned together so that saddle arm of the upper threaded connecting piece (1) is accommodated in the opening of the large ring (11) of the lower thread connecting piece (2). The saddle arm of the lower threaded connecting piece is accommodated in the opening of large ring of upper threaded connecting piece.