Spool-Mounted Fire Barrier for Elevator Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier systems fail to effectively prevent the migration of smoke, fumes, and noxious gases during building fires, particularly in elevator shafts where gases can rapidly spread to unaffected areas, posing a significant threat to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A barrier system comprising a flexible barrier with a spool and drive assembly that moves between deployed and retracted positions, coupled with a control system and sensors to automatically seal openings, utilizing materials like PTFE-coated fiberglass to resist smoke and fire, and a tortuous path mechanism to hinder gas migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier system is deployed to seal openings and prevent gas migration, then safety against smoke and fire is improved, but the system complexity and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into multiple independent barrier sections (first barrier, second barrier, third barrier) that can be deployed separately to seal different openings. Each barrier is a self-contained unit with its own support structure and sealing mechanism, allowing the system to address multiple hazard paths simultaneously without requiring a single complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier sections are pre-positioned in storage locations adjacent to the openings they are designed to seal. The support structures are pre-assembled and the barriers are ready for immediate deployment. When smoke or fire is detected, the barriers are rapidly deployed from their pre-positioned locations, eliminating the need for on-site assembly and reducing response time.
2Loss of time
If barrier sections are pre-positioned adjacent to openings for rapid deployment, then response time is reduced, but space requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier sections are designed to be nested within or adjacent to the building structure itself. The support structures utilize existing architectural elements such as walls, ceilings, and floor assemblies, allowing the barriers to be stored in compact configurations that integrate with the building's existing geometry rather than requiring separate dedicated storage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system utilizes vertical and lateral spaces within the building envelope for storage and deployment. Barriers are positioned in three-dimensional space adjacent to openings, utilizing available volume rather than only horizontal floor space. The support structures are anchored to vertical surfaces and extend horizontally to seal openings, effectively using the building's volumetric space efficiently.
3Reliability
If sealable openings are created in walls and floors to install barrier sections, then barrier effectiveness is improved, but structural integrity and manufacturing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the barrier sections, serve as anchoring points for sealing mechanisms, and can be integrated with existing building structural elements. The same support structure can accommodate different barrier types and sealing methods, reducing the need for custom-designed openings and simplifying installation across various building configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealable openings and support structures are designed with location-specific characteristics optimized for each installation position. Openings in walls have different dimensions and configurations compared to openings in floors, with each tailored to the local structural requirements and barrier deployment needs. This localized optimization allows effective sealing at each position without requiring a standardized complex solution for all locations.
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 system effectively seals off elevator lobbies and shafts from the rest of the building, preventing the spread of hazardous gases and flames, thereby enhancing occupant safety by creating a barrier that can be automatically deployed in response to fire or smoke detection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like PTFE-coated fiberglass to resist smoke and fire
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials like PTFE-coated fiberglass to resist smoke and fire
Implementation Method 3
a tortuous path mechanism to hinder gas migration
Data Source
AI summary
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a seal assembly positioned in a housing and contacting the spool to create a barrier to smoke and vapor migration through the housing. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to a control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.