Intumescent Angle Profile for Façade Fire Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade assemblies face challenges in maintaining effective fire protection during a fire, as metal-clad facade elements can deform, causing gaps in the joint between the facade and the wall or ceiling, which allows fire and smoke to spread, and the installation of additional fire protection elements is labor-intensive and risky.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an angle profile made from rigid materials, potentially with intumescent coatings or materials, that is fixed to the rear metal cladding to cover and reinforce the gap, allowing for installation from a single floor level and reducing the risk of injury and time required for installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed mineral wool insulation elements are used to seal the gap between facade elements and wall, then fire protection is provided, but the insulation elements lose connection and tilt/fall when the gap widens due to thermal deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intumescent material that changes its physical parameters (expands) in response to temperature changes. The intumescent profile remains compact at normal temperatures but expands when exposed to fire heat, automatically adapting to seal the widened gap caused by thermal deformation of the facade element.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle profile is pre-installed in position before fire occurs, but its fire-sealing function is activated only when needed (during fire). The profile is positioned to cover the joint area, and the intumescent material is prepared to expand and seal the gap when thermal deformation occurs, providing beforehand preparation without permanent obstruction during normal operation.
2Reliability
If U-profiles are added to stiffen facade elements and prevent deformation, then fire protection is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the angle profile serves both as mechanical stiffening element (providing structural support) and as a fire-sealing carrier (holding the intumescent material). This merging eliminates the need for separate U-profiles and fire protection elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving fire protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle profile is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both structural support (stiffening the facade element) and fire protection (via the intumescent material that seals gaps). This universal component replaces multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system while addressing both mechanical stability and fire safety requirements.
3Reliability
If additional fire protection elements are installed to seal gaps, then fire protection is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angle profile with integrated intumescent material is installed as a single unit rather than as separate components (profile + insulation + sealing materials). This merging of fire protection functions into one installable component significantly reduces installation time and labor requirements while maintaining effective fire sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intumescent material is pre-applied to or integrated with the angle profile during manufacturing, so that during installation, the fire protection element is already prepared and requires only positioning and fixation. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site application steps, reducing installation complexity and time while ensuring proper fire sealing performance.
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 angle profile effectively seals the gap between the facade element and the wall or ceiling, preventing fire and smoke spread while simplifying and safer installation of fire protection elements.
Implementation Method 1
the angle profile is at least partially formed from or coated with an intumescent material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a façade assembly (14) for a building (10), said assembly comprising at least one façade element (16) which can be fastened to a wall or a floor (12) of the building (10) and comprising at least one fire protection element (18) which can be mounted between the façade element (16) and the wall or the floor (12). In said assembly, the fire protection element (18) comprises an insulating layer (19) and at least one angular section (32) having two flanges (34, 36) arranged at an angle to one another, one of the flanges (34) of the angular section (32) being fastened to the façade element (16) and the other flange (36) of the angular section (32) lying against the insulating layer (19). The invention further relates to a method for mounting a façade assembly of this type, and to a building construction using the façade assembly.