Modular Fire Barrier for Raised Floor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire barriers for double floor constructions are complex, difficult to install, and costly, with restricted accessibility and inadequate fire protection in raised floor systems, particularly due to the requirement for a minimum distance between fire protection doors and partitions.
Innovation Solution
A fire barrier comprising a cuboid mineral fiber block with recesses for half-shells coated with intumescent layers, allowing flexible and easy installation of cable/pipe penetrations while meeting fire protection standards, and enabling the separation of installation areas to prevent flame and smoke spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fire protection barriers are installed in raised floor systems, then fire protection requirements are met, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly due to restricted accessibility and the need for minimum 200mm distance between fire protection doors and partitions
Solution Approach 1:
The fire barrier is divided into modular components: a mineral fiber block base, half-shell elements for cable/pipe penetrations, and flexible carriers with fire protection layers. These segmented modules can be independently installed in the restricted spaces of raised floor systems without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shell elements are designed to fit into recesses of the mineral fiber block, creating a nested structure. The flexible carriers are inserted into the half-shells, and the entire assembly nests within the floor cavity space, maximizing space utilization in restricted accessibility environments.
2Reliability
If fire protection barriers are installed to meet building authority approvals, then fire resistance is ensured, but installation time and effort increase due to restricted accessibility in raised floor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carriers are pre-coated with fire protection layers (such as intumescent coatings) during manufacturing. This preliminary application of fire protection material eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site application processes in the restricted accessibility environment of raised floor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire barrier system uses inexpensive, easily replaceable modular components. If installation errors occur or adjustments are needed in the difficult-to-access floor cavity, individual modules can be quickly removed and replaced without compromising the overall fire protection system.
3Reliability
If minimum distance of 200mm between fire protection door openings and partition openings is maintained, then fire protection standards are met, but installation flexibility and adaptability are lost in grid-based system buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The fire barrier system employs dynamically adjustable modular components rather than fixed rigid structures. The flexible carriers can be positioned at various locations within the half-shells, and modules can be reconfigured to adapt to different grid positions and door opening locations, maintaining fire protection compliance while providing installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modular modules serve multiple functions: they provide fire protection, accommodate various cable and pipe penetrations, and can be installed at different positions within the raised floor grid system. This universality allows the same basic components to meet fire protection requirements while adapting to diverse installation scenarios.
4Reliability
If complex fire protection structures are used to ensure reliable fire separation, then flame and smoke spread is prevented, but installation cost and material expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire barrier combines multiple materials with complementary properties: mineral fiber blocks provide structural fire resistance, half-shells offer mechanical protection for penetrations, and flexible carriers with fire protection coatings provide additional fire barrier functionality. This composite approach achieves reliable fire separation using relatively inexpensive individual materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The mineral fiber block base utilizes porous material properties to provide fire resistance through thermal insulation. The porous structure traps heat and slows flame spread while allowing the use of cost-effective mineral fiber materials rather than expensive solid fire-resistant 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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and flexible fire barrier that meets fire protection requirements, allowing for easy installation and adaptation in double floor constructions, effectively preventing the spread of flames and smoke while allowing for the passage of installation elements.
Implementation Method 1
In the preferred case of an intumescent layer forming agent as a fire protection agent in the fire protection layer, this foams up, for example, when a certain temperature is exceeded, e.g. 150 °C, whereby the cable/pipe duct formed by the half-shell is preferably closed by the foam formed
Data Source
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Figure 3A~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fire barrier for raised floor constructions, a raised floor construction, and a method for producing a fire barrier for raised floor constructions. The invention provides a fire barrier (1) for raised floor constructions comprising a subfloor (2), at least one raised floor panel (3) arranged above the subfloor (2), and a floor cavity (4) formed between the subfloor (2) and the raised floor panel (3) with a clear height HB, comprising i. a substantially cuboid mineral fiber block (5) with a height HM corresponding to the clear height HB and with at least one recess (6) open towards the subfloor (2), ii.a half-shell (7) fitting into the at least one recess (6) of the mineral fiber block (5), wherein the half-shell comprises an inner surface (9) facing the interior (8) of the half-shell, an opening (10) facing the subfloor (2) with two edges (11, 12) flanking the opening (10) and a first planar flexible support (13) arranged in the inner surface (9) of the half-shell (7), which is at least partially coated on its surface facing the interior (8) of the half-shell with a first fire-resistant layer (14), and iii. a second planar flexible support (15) closing the opening (10) of the half-shell (7), which is at least partially coated on its surface facing the interior (8) of the half-shell with a second fire-resistant layer (16).