Modular Joint Barrier Retainer Assembly for Expansion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing fire, smoke, vapor/moisture, and sound barriers in building expansion joints are inefficient due to the variety of joint sizes, shapes, and configurations, requiring frequent splices and increasing installation effort, which compromises the barriers' effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A modular expansion joint barrier retainer assembly featuring a retainer strip attached to the barrier and an anchor flange that can be customized to attach the barrier to various building substrates, minimizing the need for splices and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fire barriers are installed in expansion joints with fixed configurations, then installation is straightforward for standard joints, but frequent splices are required for varied joint sizes and shapes, increasing installation effort and reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is divided into modular components: a standardized retainer strip attached to the barrier material, and interchangeable anchor flanges that can be selected based on the specific joint configuration. This segmentation allows the same retainer strip design to work with multiple anchor flange types, reducing manufacturing complexity while increasing adaptability to different expansion joint sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer strip is designed as a universal component that can be paired with various anchor flange configurations. The standardized retainer strip attachment mechanism works with multiple anchor flange types, allowing a single retainer strip design to serve multiple functions across different joint configurations, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent splices are used to accommodate varied joint configurations, then adaptability to different joint sizes and shapes is achieved, but structural integrity of the barrier is compromised and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a standardized retainer strip and interchangeable anchor flanges, the invention allows the barrier to be installed as a continuous piece across different joint configurations without frequent splices. The modular anchor flanges adapt to various joint sizes and shapes while maintaining the continuity and structural integrity of the barrier material.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom barrier configurations are manufactured for each joint type, then perfect fit for specific joints is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the barrier attachment function (retainer strip) from the joint-specific adaptation function (anchor flange). The retainer strip can be manufactured in a standardized configuration, while only the anchor flange needs to be varied for different joint types. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision for the barrier attachment while significantly reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal retainer strip design works with multiple anchor flange types, allowing the majority of the assembly to be standardized. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to create custom barrier configurations for each joint type, while still achieving precise fit through the selection of appropriate anchor flanges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent splices are required for barrier installation, then installation can be completed for varied joint configurations, but installation time and labor effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular retainer assembly with interchangeable anchor flanges allows installers to select the appropriate anchor flange for the specific joint configuration and attach it to a standardized retainer strip. This eliminates the need for frequent splices and complex barrier configurations, significantly reducing installation time and labor effort while maintaining the ability to install in various joint types.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular joint barrier retainer assembly, including: a barrier including one or more material layers; a retainer strip coupled to the barrier; and an anchor flange selectively coupled to the retainer strip at a first end of the anchor flange, wherein a second end of the anchor flange is configured to be selectively coupled to one or more of an expansion joint cover and a building substrate. The barrier is selectively disposed within an expansion joint or other gap of a building. The retainer strip is coupled to the barrier via one or more mechanical fasteners that are disposed through the one or more material layers and secured to the retainer strip. The anchor flange includes a hook portion that selectively engages a lip portion of the retainer strip. The anchor flange is selectively secured to the retainer strip via one or more mechanical fasteners.