Intumescent Fire Stop Outlet for Small High-Velocity Ducts

The patent replaces the mechanical damper system with a chemically-active intumescent material system. Instead of using mechanical dampers that physically block the opening, the invention uses intumescent material that chemically expands when exposed to heat, automatically sealing the duct opening. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while achieving the same fire protection function in a much smaller scale suitable for small duct openings.

The invention changes the physical state and volume of the intumescent material through parameter changes triggered by heat exposure. The material transitions from a compact state during normal operation to an expanded state during fire conditions, with the expansion ratio providing the sealing action. This parameter change approach allows the fire protection mechanism to adapt its size dynamically based on operational conditions.

The patent extracts the essential fire protection function from the complex mechanical damper system and isolates it into a simple intumescent material component. By removing unnecessary mechanical elements (linkages, actuators, springs, etc.) and retaining only the core sealing function through chemical expansion, the design achieves fire protection in small ducts without increasing complexity. The solution takes out only the necessary protective function while eliminating complicating factors.

The invention employs a simple, inexpensive intumescent material that performs its function during the critical fire event and then is replaced if needed. The material is designed for single-use fire protection rather than repeated mechanical operation, eliminating the need for durable mechanical components and complex maintenance systems. This approach trades long-term mechanical durability for immediate chemical effectiveness.