Through-Wall Cable Closure With Intumescent Fire and Acoustic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall and ceiling through-holes for cabling pose risks by allowing fire and smoke to spread between rooms and adversely affect acoustic properties, particularly in recording studios.
Innovation Solution
A sound-proofed apparatus with intumescent foam-lined closure members that can be mounted on walls or ceilings, allowing cabling to pass while closing to prevent fire and smoke passage and maintaining acoustic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If through-holes are formed in walls for cable passage, then cabling between rooms is enabled, but fire and smoke can spread rapidly between adjoining spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wall penetration is segmented into a fixed backing plate and a movable closure member that can be independently opened or closed. This segmentation allows the wall to remain intact for fire containment while providing access points for cabling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is made dynamic through the hinge mechanism, allowing it to transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between providing cabling access and maintaining fire containment based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If through-holes are formed in walls for cable passage, then cabling between rooms is enabled, but acoustic properties of adjoining rooms are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is segmented with the closure member serving as an acoustic seal when closed. This segmentation allows the majority of the wall to maintain its acoustic integrity while providing a controlled access point for cabling.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as a flexible seal that can conform to the wall opening and maintain acoustic isolation when closed, while still allowing mechanical access for cable installation when opened.
3Reliability
If closure members are made with steel backing plates and housings, then fire resistance is improved, but weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member uses a composite construction combining steel backing plates and housings with intumescent foam lining. This composite structure provides enhanced fire resistance through the steel framework while the foam adds thermal insulation properties.
4Reliability
If intumescent foam lining is added to closure members, then fire containment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intumescent foam is integrated as a lining within the steel housing structure, creating a composite fire-resistant assembly. This approach enhances fire containment without requiring a completely separate or complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The intumescent foam changes its physical parameters (expands and forms insulating char) when exposed to fire conditions. This parameter change provides automatic fire containment enhancement without requiring active control systems or complex mechanisms.
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
Effectively prevents fire and smoke spread while preserving acoustic properties by using steel-backed, intumescent foam-lined closure members that can be opened for cabling access and closed to trap cables securely.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient lining of an intumescent foam material... which intumesces when exposed to excessive heat or fire
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Apparatus for enabling cabling to pass through a wall or ceiling opening between adjoining rooms or spaces of a building comprises first and second closure members each of which comprises a wall or ceiling mountable backing plate for location one on each side of said wall or ceiling opening. From one side of each backing plate projects an open-ended housing. which, in use, locates within the through-hole to define a channel through which cabling can pass. Each closure member further comprises on its side remote from the housing a closure member whose inner surface includes a resilient lining of an intumescent foam material. Each closure member is connected through a hinge mechanism to the respective backing plate to enable the closure member to move between a first position in which the wall or ceiling opening is open to enable cabling to be passed between the adjoining rooms or spaces and a second position in which the wall or ceiling opening is closed with the cabling trapped between the respective backing plate and the intumescent foam lining of the respective backing plate.