Thermally Isolated Smoke Vent Frame for Protected Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smoke vents in buildings face reliability issues due to actuators being exposed to high temperatures and flames, which can impair their operation during fires, and they also suffer from heat loss due to inadequate thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A vent assembly with a metallic frame featuring a thermal break between inner and outer frame members, where actuators are housed in chambers within the outer frame, and thermal insulation materials are used to isolate them from heat, along with double-glazed panels and high-temperature seals to enhance thermal insulation and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuators are disposed externally of the thermal break to enable operation, then the smoke vent can be operated, but the actuators are exposed to high temperatures and flames which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into inner and outer frame members separated by a thermal break, creating distinct thermal zones. The actuator is positioned in the outer frame chamber which is thermally isolated from the inner frame, segmenting the actuator from harmful thermal effects while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal break acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer frame members, preventing direct heat transfer to the actuator chamber. This intermediary structure allows the actuator to operate in a thermally protected environment while still being externally accessible.
2Loss of energy
If the frame is constructed with thermal break elements to reduce heat conductivity, then heat loss is minimized, but the structural complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer frame members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the chamber for housing actuators, and act as a thermal barrier through the thermal break design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs composite construction with inner and outer frame members joined by thermal break elements, creating a composite structure that combines structural integrity with thermal insulation properties. This approach achieves energy efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design.
3Loss of energy
If the panel is double-glazed and secured to a thermally insulating frame, then thermal insulation is improved, but the weight of the panel increases requiring two actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into inner and outer members with thermal breaks, allowing the heavy double-glazed panel to be supported by a distributed framework. The outer frame members extend to provide additional support points for the actuators, managing the weight distribution effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer frame members serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the heavy panel and creating protected chambers for housing actuators. This multi-functional design accommodates the increased weight requirements while maintaining thermal insulation and actuator protection.
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 effectively isolates actuators from high temperatures, ensuring reliable operation during fires and reduces heat loss through the vent, enhancing both safety and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal break between inner and outer frame members
Implementation Method 2
the hinged panel may be double-glazed and secured to a thermally insulating frame
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A smoke vent assembly for the roof of a building has a panel 15 hinged to a frame 10, for movement between open and closed positions under the action of a powered actuator 60,61,63. The frame 10 is constructed at least in part from metallic inner and outer frame members 17,18 with thermal break elements 28,29,30,31 connecting together the inner and outer frame members 17,18 and with insulation 26,27 disposed therebetween. Each of the two opposed outer frame members 12,14 extending at right angles to the frame member 11 hinging the panel 15 defines a respective chamber 19 for accommodating a powered actuator 60,61,63.