Modular Fire Protection Sleeve Segments for Large Pipe Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection solutions for larger pipe diameters are either expensive to manufacture or insufficient in providing effective closure, as they require multiple designs and tools, and existing systems are not cost-effective for versatile application.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection sleeve composed of stepped housing elements with intumescent material applied to contact surfaces, allowing for flexible adaptation to various pipe diameters and efficient closure by expanding intumescent material, which can be produced cost-effectively using the same tool for each segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire protection sleeve is designed as a single unit for each pipe diameter, then the fire protection is effective and tailored to the specific diameter, but the device complexity increases and multiple designs and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection sleeve is divided into multiple modular segments that can be combined in different quantities to match various pipe diameters. Each segment contains fire protection material and can be assembled around the pipe in a standardized manner, eliminating the need for completely different designs for each diameter size.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized segment design serves multiple functions across different pipe diameters by varying only the number of segments used. The same segment template can protect small, medium, or large pipes depending on how many segments are assembled together, making the system universally applicable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If housing segments are made small to fit the smallest pipe diameter, then the device can be adapted to smaller pipes, but insufficient fire protection material is available for larger pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection sleeve is divided into multiple modular segments that can be combined in different quantities to match various pipe diameters. Each segment contains fire protection material and can be assembled around the pipe in a standardized manner, eliminating the need for completely different designs for each diameter size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying the size of individual segments, the solution varies the number of segments along the axial dimension. This allows the same segment design to provide adequate fire protection material for larger diameters by simply adding more segments in sequence.
3Reliability
If additional mechanical elements are added to close larger pipe diameters, then the closure effectiveness improves, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection sleeve is divided into multiple modular segments that can be combined in different quantities to match various pipe diameters. Each segment contains fire protection material and can be assembled around the pipe in a standardized manner, eliminating the need for completely different designs for each diameter size.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the quantity parameter (number of segments) rather than introducing complex mechanical elements. By varying how many standard segments are assembled, the system effectively handles different pipe diameters without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
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 cost-effective and adaptable fire protection system that effectively seals larger openings by varying the distance and arrangement of segments, reducing material usage and ensuring stable closure with expandable graphite or other intumescent materials, achieving secure fire protection without the need for multiple designs or tools.
Implementation Method 1
In the event of fire, the intumescent material foams up due to the effect of heat and closes the opening, which prevents or at least delays the spread of smoke or fire.
Implementation Method 2
the intumescent material foams up due to the effect of heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection sleeve segment can be arranged for a fire protection sleeve for sealing a combustible body penetrating an opening in a wall or ceiling in the event of fire. The fire protection sleeve segment contains a first housing element and a second housing element, wherein the housing elements have a boundary wall containing a contact surface and an outer surface opposite the contact surface. The two housing elements are rigidly interconnected and arranged so as to be stepped with respect to one another. An intumescent material is applied to the contact surfaces. To form a fire protection sleeve, a plurality of fire protection sleeve segments are arranged relative to one another and interconnected such that the intumescent material applied on the contact surface of the first housing element is covered, in whole or in part, by the second housing element of the respectively adjacent fire protection sleeve segment.