Segmented Flue Duct Element for Visible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated duct elements for combustion fumes require installation in a concrete sheath to prevent heat and fire propagation between building floors, which is complex and expensive, and do not allow for a visible flue installation due to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A duct element design featuring concentric metal tubes with a free section of the inner tube that traverses the vertical opening, where the outer tubes are separated by the horizontal wall, breaking the thermal bridge and allowing for visible installation without a concrete sheath, using sealing and fastening means to ensure airtightness and fireproof insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulated duct elements are installed in a concrete sheath to prevent heat and fire propagation between floors, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is segmented into separate sections on either side of the horizontal wall, with the inner tube passing through the wall while outer tubes remain separated. This segmentation breaks the thermal bridge without requiring a continuous concrete sheath, thus maintaining fire safety while reducing construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the thermal bridge-breaking function from the concrete sheath and implements it directly through the duct geometry itself. The separated outer tubes and insulating material at the wall interface provide thermal isolation without needing the additional concrete enclosure, simplifying the overall construction
2Reliability
If insulated duct elements are installed in a concrete sheath to ensure fire safety, then fire resistance is improved, but aesthetic flexibility and installation visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the duct system at the horizontal wall with separated outer tubes and inserting insulating material in the gap, the invention achieves thermal isolation without the enclosing concrete sheath. This allows the flue to remain visible and provides aesthetic flexibility while maintaining fire resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the permanent, visually obstructing concrete sheath with a simpler, lighter construction using insulating material and separate duct sections. This achieves the same fire safety function with a more aesthetically flexible solution that can be adapted to different architectural designs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous concrete sheath is used over full height of building, then heat propagation prevention is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is segmented at each horizontal wall penetration, with insulating material placed between separated outer tubes. This localized segmentation prevents thermal bridges at critical points without requiring continuous concrete sheathing over the full building height, significantly reducing construction cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating material acts as an intermediary substance placed between the separated outer tubes at the horizontal wall. This intermediary provides thermal isolation and breaks the heat propagation path without requiring the expensive and complex continuous concrete sheath structure
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 design effectively prevents heat transfer between floors, ensuring safe operation and aesthetic flexibility by allowing the flue to be installed visibly or with non-fireproof cladding, reducing construction costs and maintaining fire safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
an outer tube, attached coaxially around said inner tube to together delimit a longitudinal annular space containing fireproof thermal insulating means
Implementation Method 2
the assembly end comprises sealing means arranged to be compressed on the horizontal wall so as to ensure a seal against the fumes of the through-light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a flue gas duct element for combustion gases, intended to be passed through a vertical through-hole (L) provided through a horizontal wall (H) of a building structure. The flue element (1) comprises two flue sections (2, 3), each having two concentric metal tubes (4, 5): an inner tube (4) and an outer tube (5). According to the invention, the assembled flue element (1) comprises: - proximal edges (51) of the outer tubes (5), arranged at a distance from each other, intended to extend on either side of, and around the perimeter of, the vertical through-hole (L), and - at least a portion of at least one free section (45) of the inner tube (4), which is interposed between said proximal edges (51) of said outer tubes (5), intended to be passed through the vertical through-hole (L).