Modular Partition Wall with Flat Bumper Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing partition wall systems for fire protection in buildings are expensive, lack reusability, and have limited design variability, with increased temperature loads reducing fire resistance and smoke protection properties due to the use of uniform materials and complex assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular partition wall system using individual wall elements made of different materials, with flat and blunt surfaces for improved sealing, supported by ceiling and bottom rails, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration, and incorporating intumescent materials for enhanced fire protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If partition walls are constructed using traditional stand wall profiles with metal or wood frames and plasterboard elements, then fire protection and smoke sealing requirements can be met, but the construction cost increases and reusability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is divided into individual, interchangeable wall elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each element consists of two plate elements with bumper surfaces that can be combined in different configurations, allowing the fire protection function to be achieved through modular assembly rather than custom-built monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall elements are designed as universal modules that can serve multiple functions: fire protection, smoke sealing, and structural partitioning. The same basic element design can be used in various positions and configurations throughout the building, reducing the need for specialized components and lowering overall construction costs.
2Reliability
If traditional partition wall systems use groove-spring-like vertical bumpers to prevent smoke and fire transfer, then fire protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases and components are prone to damage during transport and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex groove-spring bumper structure is replaced by extracting only the essential function of smoke and fire sealing. Simple flat bumper surfaces are used instead, eliminating the need for intricate grooves and springs while maintaining the sealing function through the basic contact between adjacent wall elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that individual wall elements may need replacement rather than designing for permanent durability. Simple, inexpensive bumper surfaces are preferred over complex, durable ones, as the elements can be easily replaced if damaged during transport or assembly, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If all individual wall elements are made of the same fire-protected material to ensure predictable deformation behavior, then smoke and fire protection is maintained, but design possibilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Different wall elements can have different materials and properties suited to their specific locations and functions. For example, elements in high-traffic areas may use more durable materials, while aesthetic elements may use different finishes. The modular system allows local optimization without compromising overall fire protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall system can incorporate composite constructions with different materials (metal, wood, glass, plasterboard) in different wall elements. Each material contributes its own properties while the overall assembly maintains fire protection through the bumper surface sealing mechanism, enabling greater design flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If partition walls are designed for simple disassembly to enable reusability, then cost-effectiveness improves, but the fire protection and smoke sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented into discrete wall elements with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy disassembly and reassembly while maintaining fire protection, as each element retains its sealing capability through the bumper surfaces that function independently of the overall wall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing for permanent installation and then attempting disassembly, the system is designed from the outset for reversible assembly. The bumper surfaces are configured to provide fire protection in the assembled state while naturally allowing separation, inverting the traditional approach where disassembly is an afterthought.
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 enables cost-effective, reusable, and adaptable fire protection solutions that meet European standards for smoke and fire resistance, with improved design flexibility and reduced temperature loads, allowing for efficient reconfiguration of escape routes and enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating intumescent materials for enhanced fire protection
Data Source
Figure 1~1d
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a partition wall with at least two individual wall elements E1, E2 for forming a fire compartment in rooms of buildings, characterized in that at least one individual wall element E1 of the at least two individual wall elements E1, E2 is a non-combustible building material panel B or a fire-resistant wooden element H and at least one individual wall element E2 of the at least two individual wall elements E1, E2 has or is a fire protection screen G, wherein the individual wall elements E1, E2 are each detachably held on or in a ceiling rail T arranged in the ceiling area of the fire compartment and serving the individual wall elements E1, E2 for supporting and/or guiding purposes.