Modular Fire Resistant Structure for Flexible Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire resistant structures, such as firewalls and ceilings, are not adaptable and difficult to modify, requiring substantial building work for installation and modification, and lack flexibility in accommodating changes like conduit passages or door additions, while also posing challenges in heat leakage and steelwork dependency.

Innovation Solution

A modular system of frame units with fire-resistant panels that can be easily modified and assembled, featuring endothermic-reactive insulating fibrous materials and expandable gaskets to reduce heat accumulation and allow for flexible positioning without requiring pre-existing steelwork, enabling the integration of conduits and pipes without affecting electrical current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fire resistant structures are built as permanent structures, then fire resistance is achieved, but adaptability and ease of modification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The firewall is divided into modular panel assemblies that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel assembly consists of fire-resistant panels attached to a structural framework, allowing the firewall to be segmented into discrete units that maintain fire resistance while enabling easy reconfiguration and modification without compromising the overall fire barrier integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The firewall transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The modular panel assemblies can be dynamically added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to changing building requirements, while maintaining fire resistance through the inherent fire-resistant properties of the panel materials and their attachment methodology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional firewalls are modified by removing concrete or cutting cladding, then adaptability improves, but heat leakage and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of modificationVSAvoidheat leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The firewall is pre-configured with modular panel assemblies designed for easy installation and removal. This preliminary structuring allows modifications to be made by simply detaching and reattaching panels rather than cutting or removing materials, thereby maintaining the continuous fire barrier and preventing heat leakage paths that would result from conventional modification methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fire-resistant panels are designed as discrete panel units that can be flexibly installed and removed. These panels maintain the fire barrier function while allowing modifications to be made by replacing or repositioning individual panels rather than cutting through the firewall structure, thus preventing heat leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If steelwork is required to support the firewall, then structural strength is achieved, but ease of installation and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structural support system is segmented into modular framework components that are integrated with the panel assemblies. This segmentation allows the firewall to be installed in discrete sections without requiring extensive pre-installed steelwork, while maintaining structural strength through the interlocking modular framework design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular framework serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fire-resistant panels, enables easy installation and reconfiguration of the firewall, and can be adapted to various building configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated steelwork while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular system provides increased flexibility and reduced heat risk, improved insulating properties, and ease of assembly, while maintaining fire resistance and seismic performance, allowing for modifications and efficient heat management without compromising electrical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

endothermic-reactive insulating fibrous materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

expandable gaskets to reduce heat accumulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2931991B1Fire resistant structure

Publication Date: 2021.09.29 DARCHEM ENG LTD

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AI summary

A fire resistant structure is provided for use as a firewall or fire resistant ceiling. A plurality of frame units are attached together to form a substructure of the fire resistant structure. A plurality of fire resistant panels are used to clad the front and or rear face of the substructure, to provide fire-facing protection for the substructure. This arrangement reduces heat transfer through the fire resistant structure. Each panel is made from an endothermic-reactive insulating fibrous material.