Polyurethane Foam Fire Closure in Masonry Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of fire barriers by installing prefabricated elements in masonry is complex and costly due to the requirement for specialized fire protection materials in building connection joints, which can pose health hazards and are not always effective in preventing fire penetration.
Innovation Solution
Using conventional, non-fire protection additive polyurethane assembly foam to fill the gaps between prefabricated fire protection elements and masonry, simplifying the installation process and eliminating the need for additional fire protection materials in the building connection joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly foam is used to fill gaps in building connection joints, then installation complexity and cost are reduced, but fire protection performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical composition parameters of the foam material. It uses a two-component polyurethane system that expands in situ from a liquid state to a foam state, transforming the material properties to achieve both ease of application and fire protection performance. The expansion ratio and final density are controlled to optimize both installation ease and fire resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of two different polyurethane components that react together to form the final foam structure. This composite approach allows combining the benefits of easy application (from the liquid precursor state) with fire protection capabilities (from the cross-linked foam structure), resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and fire safety.
2Reliability
If specialized fire protection materials are used in building connection joints, then fire protection performance is ensured, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the assembly foam serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the installation material for filling gaps and as the fire protection material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fire protection materials, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining fire protection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of installation material and fire protection material into a single polyurethane foam system. By combining these two previously separate requirements into one material solution, the patent reduces the number of components and steps needed, thereby reducing production complexity while ensuring fire safety.
3Reliability
If mineral wool is used for backing building connection joints, then fire protection is provided, but health hazards for assembly personnel arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent mineral wool insulation with a disposable-like application approach using polyurethane foam that is applied as a liquid and then expands in place. This eliminates the need for handling loose mineral wool fibers that pose health hazards, while the cured foam provides equivalent or superior fire protection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the polyurethane foam as an intermediary material that eliminates direct contact between assembly personnel and hazardous mineral wool fibers. The foam is applied in a controlled liquid state and expands to fill the space, providing fire protection without the health risks associated with traditional mineral wool handling.
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 method provides adequate fire protection, preventing hot gases and smoke penetration for at least 30 minutes, reducing production costs and effort while maintaining the fire barrier's effectiveness, as proven by fire tests.
Implementation Method 1
conventional, non-fire protection additive polyurethane assembly foam to fill the gaps
Implementation Method 2
frame elements, which are made up of several light metal profiles with fire protection material between them that absorb energy due to the heat of fusion
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves fixing a frame beam (12) at brickwork (26) by using a screw pin fastener (16). A building connection joint (54) stays between the brickwork and the frame beam. The building connection joint is filled with an insulating material for thermal insulation and for avoiding a passage of hot gases in the case of fire. The fire protection-auxiliary free polyurethane foam (52) is used as insulating material. The frame beam is formed from light metal, particularly from an aluminum material. An independent claim is included for a fire closure of a building.