Thermal-Release Backplate for Fire-Rated Door Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire-rated door actuators using combustible fluids face the risk of overheating and potential ignition during a fire, as existing mounting systems do not effectively detach the actuator from the mounting surface to prevent excessive heating.
Innovation Solution
A backplate with a connecting assembly that includes a first and second mounting element, where the connecting assembly detaches under thermal load, allowing the door actuator to separate from the mounting surface, featuring a trigger element that activates at specific temperatures to release the bar element, which moves to a release position, causing the actuator to detach, thereby preventing overheating and potential ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mounting plate is used to fasten the door actuator, then the actuator is securely fastened to the mounting surface, but the actuator cannot detach under thermal load, leading to excessive heating and potential ignition of fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic conditional connection. The connecting assembly includes a bar element that can move between a retaining position (fastening the actuator) and a release position (detaching the actuator). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to thermal conditions by automatically detaching when the trigger element melts, resolving the contradiction between secure fastening and thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly's structural integrity changes based on temperature parameters. The trigger element is designed to melt at a specific temperature threshold, causing the bar element to move from the retaining position to the release position. This parameter-based transformation allows the mounting system to maintain reliability under normal conditions while automatically protecting against thermal damage when temperature exceeds safe limits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connecting assembly is designed to detach under thermal load, then the actuator is protected from overheating, but the fastening reliability is reduced as the connection is no longer permanent
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly's structural integrity changes based on temperature parameters. The trigger element is designed to melt at a specific temperature threshold, causing the bar element to move from the retaining position to the release position. This parameter-based transformation allows the mounting system to maintain reliability under normal conditions while automatically protecting against thermal damage when temperature exceeds safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar element acts as an intermediary between the trigger element and the mounting elements. It transmits the thermal response (trigger element melting) to the mounting system, converting thermal conditions into mechanical action. This intermediary mechanism enables conditional detachment based on temperature parameters while maintaining secure fastening under normal conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a trigger element that melts at specific temperature is used, then automatic detachment is achieved under thermal load, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger element is integrated into the connecting assembly structure, merging the thermal response function with the mechanical connection function. The bar element serves dual purposes: it retains the second mounting element during normal operation and moves to the release position when the trigger element melts. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent components for fastening and thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger element provides self-activating thermal protection without requiring external control systems. When the temperature reaches the melting point, the trigger element automatically melts, causing the bar element to move and detach the mounting elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for sensors, control circuits, or external actuation, thereby minimizing device complexity while achieving automatic thermal 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 ensures reliable fastening of the door actuator while meeting safety requirements by preventing overheating and potential ignition of fluids within the actuator during a fire, maintaining the actuator's functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger element is formed for triggering at a corresponding temperature... When thermally activated, the trigger element releases the movement of the bar element to the release position
Implementation Method 2
Under corresponding thermal load, the connecting assembly detaches so that the two mounting elements separate from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A backplate for a door actuator, includes at least two mounting elements, one of the two mounting elements being formed for fastening to a mounting surface, in particular door, casing or wall, and the other mounting element for accommodating the door actuator. The backplate further includes at least one connecting assembly with a bar element mobile disposed at the first mounting element and a thermally activatable trigger element. The bar element is movable from a retaining position to a release position. In the retaining position, the bar element retains the second mounting element and, in the release position, releases the second mounting element. When thermally activated, the trigger element releases a movement of the bar element to the release position and/or, the trigger element moves the bar element to the release position.