Modular Fire-Safe Sealing Elements for Aperture Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-safe penetration seal systems for building apertures are difficult to install and require handling of multiple materials and small parts, making it challenging to easily reinstall or add pipes or lines without removing the entire sealing plug.
Innovation Solution
A system using block-shaped sealing elements with non-rectangular cross-sections, made from mineral fibers and a binding agent, which can be easily cut and adapted to fit different aperture sizes, featuring flexible and compressible properties for easy installation and enhanced frictional resistance, along with optional intumescent materials for improved fire resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fire-safe penetration seal systems are used, then fire resistance is maintained, but installation difficulty increases and reconfiguration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into modular block-shaped elements that can be individually installed and configured. Each block contains fire-resistant material and can be independently positioned, allowing easy installation while maintaining fire resistance through the collective arrangement of multiple segments filling the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing blocks combine fire-resistant mineral fibers with binding agents to create composite material blocks that maintain fire resistance while being easier to handle and install compared to traditional monolithic sealing systems. The composite structure allows for pre-fabricated blocks with consistent fire performance.
2Ease of operation
If modular block elements are used, then installation ease improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple block positions that can be filled with standardized modular elements. This segmentation allows simple handling of individual blocks while the overall system complexity is managed through the regular pattern of block arrangement and interlocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular blocks are designed with universal dimensions and features that allow them to be used in various aperture configurations. Each block serves multiple functions: providing fire resistance, filling space, and interlocking with adjacent blocks, thereby reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sealing plugs are used, then fire resistance is maintained, but reconfiguration requires complete removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses discrete modular blocks rather than a monolithic plug, allowing individual blocks to be removed or repositioned without affecting the entire sealing structure. This enables easy reconfiguration for adding or moving pipes while maintaining fire resistance through the remaining blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular block system transitions from a static monolithic plug to a dynamic reconfigurable assembly. Blocks can be independently moved, added, or removed to adapt to changing piping requirements, making the sealing system flexible and adaptable to future modifications.
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 system allows for easy handling and installation of fire-safe seals in various aperture sizes, enabling quick reconfiguration or addition of pipes without removing the entire plug, while maintaining high fire resistance and insulation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one element is made from mineral fibres and a binding agent
Implementation Method 2
enhanced frictional resistance
Data Source
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Figure 3~11
Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for providing a fire safe sealing in an aperture in a wall, a ceiling or a floor of a building, consisting of at least two block shaped sealing elements with two main surfaces being oriented parallel to each other and at least three lateral faces connecting the main surfaces to each other, of which at least one element is made from mineral fibres and a binding agent, whereby lateral faces being arranged adjacent to each other, or lateral faces and main surfaces being arranged adjacent to each other, incorporate an angle being unequal to 90° and whereby each element is shorter than the length of the aperture and smaller than the height of the aperture.