Modular Fire Barrier Frame for Stable Building Conduit Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firestop systems for building penetrations are structurally unstable, complex, laborious to install, and expensive, lacking sufficient structural strength and flexibility to accommodate various conduit positions and sizes, while increasing fire hazard.
Innovation Solution
A fire barrier comprising modular, cuboid fire-resistant blocks and a frame made of non-metallic refractory materials, with adjustable openings and a sandwich-like structure, providing high compressive strength and flexibility for easy installation and adaptation to different penetration sizes and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firestop panels with pre-drilled holes or intumescent materials are used, then fire protection is provided, but structural strength is insufficient and additional support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines fire protection function and structural support function into a single integrated frame structure. The frame made of non-metallic refractory material provides both fire resistance and high compressive strength, eliminating the need for separate support structures while maintaining fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is constructed from composite non-metallic refractory materials that exhibit both high fire resistance and high mechanical strength. This composite material approach allows the structure to simultaneously achieve fire protection reliability and structural strength without requiring additional components.
2Ease of manufacture
If penetrations are created separately for each conduit, then cable routing is achieved, but installation is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is pre-fabricated with openings for conduits before installation. This preliminary preparation of conduit positions allows for rapid installation without the need to create penetrations separately during the installation process, significantly reducing installation time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed as a modular structure with segmented openings that can accommodate multiple conduits of different diameters and positions. This segmentation allows flexible cable routing while maintaining a unified, pre-fabricated structure that installs quickly without requiring separate penetration work for each conduit.
3Ease of manufacture
If firestop systems are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different conduit positions and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates adjustable and configurable elements that allow the opening positions, sizes, and shapes to be adapted to different conduit requirements. This dynamic design enables the same basic frame structure to accommodate various conduit configurations while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized base components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate different types, sizes, and positions of conduits through its configurable opening system. This multi-functionality allows a single frame design to serve multiple application scenarios, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing high adaptability to conduit variations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Firestop (10) for cavities or penetrations in buildings or building walls, in particular floor cavities (20) of raised floors, for the passage of conduits (1), cables, ducts or pipes, comprising at least one modular, cuboid firestop block (2) in which openings adapted in diameter to the conduits (1) can be produced in a shape, number and position as required, and with an outer frame (3) which closes off and receives the firestop block(s) (2) on at least three sides, wherein the frame (2) is formed from plates (4) directly connected to each other at butt joints or edges, at least laterally and from above, which have a higher flexural stiffness and/or compressive strength than the firestop blocks (2) provided therein for static support, wherein horizontal plates (4) rest at least partially on vertical plates (4).and both the frame (3) and the fire-resistant bricks (2) consist of a non-metallic refractory material, in particular a mineral material.