Intumescent Firestop Device for Water Closet Drain Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional firestopping methods for drain pipes in floors, especially around water closet installations, are challenging due to access limitations and inefficiencies, as they often require caulking from below the water closet, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A firestopping device with an outer securement section and an inner intumescent section that can be positioned above the floor to facilitate sealing around the drain pipe, allowing for easy installation before the water closet flange assembly is secured, and expanding downwardly to seal the annular region upon exposure to heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional caulking is used for firestopping around drain pipes, then firestopping is achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to access limitations after water closet installation
Solution Approach 1:
The firestopping device is installed in the vertical floor opening before the water closet flange assembly is secured in place. This preliminary installation allows access to the opening for positioning the device, while the device's outer section is designed to be retained between the floor opening and the flange assembly, ensuring firestopping is achieved before access is blocked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If caulking is performed from below the water closet, then firestopping can be applied after installation, but the process becomes very difficult based on particular application or job constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying firestopping material from below the water closet after installation (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by installing a pre-formed firestopping device from above into the vertical floor opening before the water closet is installed. The device's inner section extends downward to seal around the drain pipe, achieving firestopping without requiring access from below.
3Reliability
If traditional firestopping methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but the installation process requires significant time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The firestopping device is segmented into distinct functional sections: an outer section for securing and retention between the floor and flange assembly, and an inner section for sealing around the drain pipe. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently, with the outer section providing structural retention and the inner section providing the actual firestopping seal, thereby simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The firestopping device is designed to be self-retaining through its outer section that is retained between the upper surface of the floor and the water closet flange assembly. This self-service feature eliminates the need for additional fastening operations or complex installation procedures, allowing workers to simply position the device and it automatically secures itself, significantly improving installation efficiency.
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
This configuration simplifies the installation process, reduces time and labor, and provides effective sealing without the need for traditional caulking, offering improved protection and ease of installation for water closet drain pipes in vertical floor openings.
Implementation Method 1
an inner intumescent section attached with respect to the outer securement section and extending radially inwardly therefrom adjacent to the vertical opening in the floor assembly to facilitate sealing downwardly thereinto responsive to heating thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A firestopping device which is held between the flange of water closet flange assembly and the floor surrounding the opening containing the drain pipe which includes a securement section positioned therebetween for being held in place and an intumescent section extending radially inwardly therefrom to a position above the vertical drain pipe opening to facilitate intumescent expansion thereinto responsive to the exposure of heat.