Prefabricated Edge Guide for Uniform Fireproofing Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Applying fireproofing material, such as intumescent epoxy, to structural members is a tedious, time-consuming, and expensive process due to the need for continuous thickness measurement, with both excessive and insufficient thickness being undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated formed edge guide with mesh surfaces is used to ensure uniform application of fireproofing material, providing automatic alignment and a dam for the material, allowing for correct thickness application without continuous measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fireproofing material is sprayed onto structural members without a guide system, then the application process is simple and quick, but the thickness becomes non-uniform and requires continuous measurement with a thickness gauge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of fireproofing material thicknessVSAvoidcomplexity of application process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guide system with a formed edge and mesh surface as an intermediary tool between the spray application process and the structural member. This guide system provides a physical reference framework that ensures uniform thickness without requiring continuous measurement, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide system is pre-assembled with the formed edge and mesh surface positioned at the correct thickness distance from the member surface before material application begins. This preliminary positioning establishes the correct thickness parameters in advance, eliminating the need for continuous measurement during the spraying process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If excessive thickness of fireproofing material is applied, then the minimum fireproofing rating is exceeded, but the cost increases due to the expensive material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefireproofing ratingVSAvoidwaste of expensive fireproofing material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (thickness gauge) with a geometric constraint system (formed edge and mesh surface at fixed distance). This substitution ensures consistent thickness control through the physical geometry of the guide system, preventing both excessive and insufficient application, thereby optimizing material usage while maintaining fireproofing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of substance

If insufficient thickness of fireproofing material is applied, then the material cost is reduced, but the fireproofing rating requirement is not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefireproofing material consumptionVSAvoidfireproofing rating

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system acts as a reliable intermediary that physically constrains the spray application to achieve the exact required thickness. The formed edge and mesh surface are positioned at the precise distance needed to meet fireproofing ratings, ensuring that the minimum protective thickness is consistently achieved without waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If continuous measurement with a thickness gauge is performed on all surfaces, then the thickness precision is maintained, but the application process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness measurement accuracyVSAvoidapplication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system is self-service in that it automatically provides thickness control through its geometric structure. The formed edge and mesh surface create a self-regulating application zone that ensures uniform thickness without requiring the operator to continuously measure and adjust, thereby maintaining precision while significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10533318B1Prefabricated form for fireproofing structural steel and method of use

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 ALFRED MILLER CONTRACTING CO

AI summary

A prefabricated formed edge guide for fireproofing a structural steel member and method of use is disclosed, which includes a formed edge, a set of mesh surfaces attached to the formed edge, and a thickness formed by the formed edge and the set of mesh surfaces. A fireproofed structure is disclosed that includes a member including a set of surfaces, a set of the preformed edge guides attached to the set of surfaces, and a fireproofing thickness formed by the formed edge and the set of mesh surfaces. A fireproofing material is adhered to the member using the set of preformed edge guides and the fireproofing thickness to create the fireproofed structure. The fireproofing material may be applied in one single layer or in successive layers.