Sliding Door Assembly Fireproof Support Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sliding door assemblies lack effective soundproofing and fireproofing capabilities compared to hinged doors, and they require more space, making them less suitable for tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door assembly with a support arrangement featuring horizontally elongated metal profiles that prevent the door leaf from falling away from the frame in case of a suspension failure, combined with intumescent seals to reduce fire spread and enhance soundproofing, utilizing steel profiles with higher melting points than the pelmet material to maintain structural integrity during fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a sliding door assembly is used to save space, then space utilization is improved, but soundproofing and fireproofing capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement is pre-installed within the pelmet structure before any failure occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the suspension arrangement fails, the door leaf is already positioned to be restrained by the support arrangement, preventing it from falling outward and maintaining fireproofing and soundproofing integrity throughout the incident duration
Solution Approach 2:
The support arrangement acts as a pre-prepared safety mechanism that cushions against the potential failure of the suspension arrangement. By having this backup support structure in place beforehand, the system ensures that even if the primary suspension fails, the door leaf remains restrained and the fireproofing/soundproofing function is maintained
2Ease of operation
If the pelmet is used to support the door suspension arrangement, then the door can slide smoothly, but the pelmet melts when exposed to fire, causing the door to fall away from the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement serves as an intermediary structure between the door leaf and the pelmet. It transfers the load-bearing function from the heat-sensitive pelmet to the heat-resistant metal profile, allowing the pelmet to maintain its sliding function while the metal profile provides fire resistance by restraining the door leaf if the pelmet fails
3Ease of operation
If the door leaf is allowed to fall away from the frame in case of suspension failure, then the door can be easily removed, but the door frame opening becomes completely unprotected, allowing fire to spread
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement converts the potential harm of suspension failure (door falling and creating an opening) into a beneficial outcome by restraining the door leaf within the pelmet. This transformation ensures that even when the suspension fails, the door leaf's movement is limited, preventing complete exposure of the door frame opening and thereby preventing fire spread while still allowing for eventual door removal
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 solution increases the time for fire to spread between rooms and enhances soundproofing by limiting the door leaf's movement and using intumescent seals to fill gaps, providing improved fireproofing and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pelmet will melt when exposed to a fire, and preventing the molten pelmet from entering a space between the door leaf and the door frame is beneficial from a fireproofing perspective. The horizontally elongated metal profile provided between the door leaf and the pelmet covers a gap between the door leaf and the door frame.
Implementation Method 2
intumescent seals to reduce fire spread and enhance soundproofing, utilizing steel profiles with higher melting points than the pelmet material to maintain structural integrity during fires
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding door assembly (1) comprising a door frame (2), a door leaf (3), a pelmet (4), at least partly inside of which is provided a door suspension arrangement (10) arranged to guide said door leaf (3) in sliding between an open position and a closed position, wherein said sliding door assembly (1) comprises a support arrangement (11), wherein said support arrangement (11) comprises a pair of horizontally elongated metal profiles (12, 13) configured to mate with one another, one of which (12) is provided along an upper side (8) of said door leaf (3), and one of which (13) is provided between said door leaf (3) and said pelmet (4).