Single Mineral Wool Panel with Density Bands for Fire Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-rated door insulation systems require multiple mineral wool panels with varying densities and fire retardants, complicating supply and assembly, and introducing potential weak points and thermal bridges.

Innovation Solution

A single, large mineral wool insulation panel with varying density bands across its width, allowing for efficient assembly and minimizing thermal bridges, while optimizing material usage and fire resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple mineral wool panels with varying densities are used, then fire resistance and thermal performance are optimized, but supply and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple mineral wool panels with varying densities into a single integrated panel structure. This single panel contains different density zones (higher density at upper and lower bands, lower density at central band) that were previously achieved using separate panels, thereby simplifying supply and assembly while maintaining fire resistance performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple mineral wool panels are used to fill door cavity, then insulation coverage is complete, but thermal bridges and weak points increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation coverageVSAvoidthermal bridges
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple panels into a single continuous panel that spans the entire door cavity height. This eliminates the joints and abutments between separate panels, thereby removing thermal bridges and weak points while maintaining complete insulation coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If high density mineral wool is used throughout the entire panel, then fire resistance is maximized, but material cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different density characteristics to different regions of the panel. Higher density mineral wool is used specifically at the upper and lower bands where fire resistance is most critical, while lower density mineral wool is used in the central band. This local differentiation optimizes material usage and reduces overall weight and cost while maintaining fire safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates easier handling and assembly, reduces material costs, and enhances fire resistance by ensuring consistent high-density insulation at critical areas without unnecessary high-density central sections.

Implementation Method 1

mineral wool insulation panel... optimise the insulation to correspond to the varying temperature stresses over the height of the door

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2791434B1Mineral wool panel
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 KNAUF INSULATION SPRL
  • EP2791434B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2791434B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2791434B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A single piece mineral wool insulation panel having a height of at least 160 cm and a width of at least 60cm has an upper band located towards an upper edge of the panel, a lower band located towards the lower edge of the panel and a central band positioned between the upper and lower bands, each of the bands extending substantially across the width of the panel. Different densities of mineral wool are arranged at at least the upper and central bands and the panel is particularly suitable for use to fill the cavity of a fire rated door.