Smoke Extractor Box Sealing for Thermal Expansion Leak Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke and heat extractor boxes face issues with thermal expansion of the roof wall leading to deformation, resulting in thermal and air leaks between zones, which increases temperature in the technical zone and reduces fan efficiency, potentially damaging the electric motor.

Innovation Solution

The smoke and heat extractor box incorporates sealing parts with brackets made of galvanized steel that maintain contact with internal partitions, preventing air and thermal leaks even during roof wall deformation, and features a removable roof wall with quick assembly and handles for easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the roof wall is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion causes deformation and gaps that lead to thermal leaks and motor overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmotor temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible sealing element (étanchéité flexible) that can deform with thermal expansion while maintaining the seal between the roof wall and partition. This flexible sealing mechanism allows the rigid roof wall to expand without creating gaps that would cause thermal leaks to the motor compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Temperature

If sealing elements are added to prevent thermal leaks, then motor temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor temperature controlVSAvoidsealing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by designing the sealing system to accommodate the expected expansion of the roof wall at 400°C. The flexible sealing element is specifically chosen to handle this thermal movement, preventing gaps without requiring complex active sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the roof wall is designed to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal leak prevention is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal leak preventionVSAvoidsealing contact precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing system by introducing a flexible material that can adapt to dimensional changes in the roof wall. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances and thermal deformation, maintaining effective sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively protects the electric motor from overheating, maintains fan efficiency by preventing air leaks, and ensures consistent extraction performance despite thermal expansion, ensuring the electric motor operates within safe temperature limits.

Implementation Method 1

even in the event of deformation by thermal expansion of the roof wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3236171B1Smoke extractor box
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 SOLER & PALAU RESEARCH SLU
  • EP3236171B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3236171B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3236171B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a smoke and heat extractor box. The smoke and heat extractor box according to the invention comprises a roof wall (12) comprising a sealing part (15) integral with the internal face (13) of the roof wall (12) projecting from this face (13) and being in permanent contact with the partition (2) separating the second technical zone (z2) from the first discharge zone (z1) even in the event of deformation by thermal expansion of the roof wall (12), to protect the electric motor (10b) from overheating. The invention finds its application in securing public places and collective dwellings.