Poke-through Floor Device Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary poke-through devices for passing cabling through floors lack effective heat isolation, as metallic fasteners conduct heat through the thermal barrier, causing overheating of the upper flooring components during fires.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a stand-off coupling mount with a dispersion plate, such as a ceramic-fiber washer, that reduces direct contact between metallic fasteners and the basket, minimizing conductive heat transfer and promoting convective cooling, while being inexpensive and easily installable, allowing for retrofitting into existing systems without full assembly replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fasteners are used to secure the basket to the lower plate through the thermal barrier, then the coupling strength and structural stability are improved, but heat is conducted through the thermal barrier causing overheating of the upper flooring components
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive intermediary component (stand-off coupling mount with dispersion plate) is introduced between the metallic fastener and the basket. This intermediary breaks the thermal conduction path while maintaining the mechanical coupling function, as the stand-off mount provides structural support without conducting heat to the upper flooring components
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from uniform metallic contact throughout to localized non-conductive contact only at the stand-off coupling mount. This local quality change allows metallic fasteners to provide strength where needed while preventing heat conduction at critical interfaces with the thermal barrier
2Productivity
If direct contact between metallic fasteners and the basket is maintained, then the installation is simpler and faster, but conductive heat transfer increases causing the basket to reach critical temperature more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off coupling mount serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary component that integrates the fastening function with heat isolation. This allows installers to maintain simple installation procedures while automatically achieving reduced heat transfer, as the stand-off mount is designed to be installed in place of traditional direct-contact fasteners
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
This configuration significantly reduces the risk of overheating in poke-through devices by minimizing conductive heat transfer and prolonging the time before the basket reaches its critical temperature, enhancing fire safety without requiring extensive modifications or increased costs.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion plate, such as a ceramic-fiber washer, that reduces direct contact between metallic fasteners and the basket, minimizing conductive heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
minimizing conductive heat transfer and promoting convective cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defined by a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through device includes a basket, thermal barrier, lower plate and at least one coupling member. The basket including a coupling support surface. The thermal barrier being disposed below the basket. The lower plate supporting the thermal barrier. Also, the at least one coupling member extending through the thermal barrier and securing the basket to the lower plate. The coupling member including an upper portion disposed within the basket. The upper portion including an undersurface, wherein a first portion of the undersurface is in direct contact with the support surface and a second portion of the undersurface does not directly engage the basket.