Intumescent Firestop Element for Downlight Ceiling Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downlights in buildings pose a fire hazard as they can spread fire through ceiling openings and potentially ignite due to heat, necessitating a solution to contain and prevent fire spread.
Innovation Solution
A firestop element made of a polymer intumescent composition is integrated into downlights, which deploys to block flames and heat transfer by expanding and forming a char barrier when exposed to high temperatures, using a support system that releases the element to drop into position and seal openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If downlights are installed in ceilings to provide illumination, then lighting functionality is improved, but fire spread risk increases due to ceiling openings
Solution Approach 1:
The firestop element is pre-installed within the downlight fixture housing, positioned to automatically deploy when fire conditions are detected. The heat-sensitive support structure is pre-configured to fail at specific temperatures, triggering the firestop element to drop into position and seal the ceiling opening, preventing fire spread before it can propagate through the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The firestop element acts as an intermediary component between the downlight fixture and the ceiling opening. It provides a thermal and flame barrier that mediates the interaction between the potential fire source (downlight) and the surrounding building structure, blocking heat and flame transmission while allowing the downlight to function normally during non-fire conditions.
2Reliability
If firestop elements are added to downlights to prevent fire spread, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firestop element is integrated into the downlight fixture housing as a unified assembly. The firestop component, support structure, and limiting feature are combined with the existing downlight elements to form a single replaceable unit, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing overall system complexity despite adding fire protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The firestop element employs a self-activating mechanism using heat-sensitive support structures that automatically fail at predetermined temperatures. This eliminates the need for external sensors, control systems, or manual intervention to trigger the firestop deployment, allowing the system to protect itself autonomously when fire conditions occur.
3Reliability
If firestop element is designed to drop to deployed position in fire, then fireblocking effectiveness is improved, but uncontrolled drop risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter feature is pre-installed as part of the downlight fixture housing, positioned to intercept the firestop element during its downward movement. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the heat-sensitive support fails and the firestop element drops, it will be caught by the limiter at a predetermined safe position, preventing uncontrolled descent and potential damage to other components.
4Reliability
If intumescent material is used for firestop element, then thermal insulation is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firestop element utilizes intumescent material that undergoes a phase transition when exposed to fire temperatures. The material expands volumetrically and forms a charred, insulating barrier that provides enhanced thermal protection. This phase change mechanism allows a relatively small amount of material to provide significant fire protection, reducing the quantity needed compared to traditional fireblocking materials.
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 firestop element effectively blocks flames and reduces heat transfer, minimizing the risk of fire spread and combustion above and around the downlight, while also providing thermal insulation to prevent ignition.
Implementation Method 1
A firestop element is provided which is fabricated from a polymer intumescent composition
Implementation Method 2
said firestop element fabricated of a polymer intumescent composition, said at least one fire sensitive support, in response to a fire, ceasing to support said firestop element such that said firestop element is freed to drop to a deployed position
Implementation Method 3
said at least one fire sensitive support, in response to a fire, ceasing to support said firestop element
Implementation Method 4
The firestop element effectively blocks flames and reduces heat transfer, minimizing the risk of fire spread and combustion above and around the downlight, while also providing thermal insulation to prevent ignition
Data Source
AI summary
A firestop element is provided which is fabricated from a polymer intumescent composition. The element is associated with a light can of a downlight. In some embodiments, the firestop element drops to a deployed position in the light can in the event of a fire.