Building Profile Seal for Wall Façade Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting internal walls to external façades in high-rise buildings face challenges such as non-compliance with movement requirements, increased fire and noise transmission risks, incorrect product choice, and suboptimal appearance, due to the need for manual application of sealants which can be impractical and lead to defects.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus and method that eliminates the need for sealants by using a building profile with integrally formed members and resilient, intumescent components that provide an acoustic and intumescent seal between the internal wall and the façade, accommodating movement and maintaining integrity without the need for manual application or curing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealant is used to fill the gap between internal wall and façade, then acoustic and fire sealing is achieved, but the sealant cannot accommodate the required movement (span/250 criteria) and may delaminate under dynamic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct functional components: a rigid sealant bead that provides acoustic and fire sealing, and a separate movable gasket that accommodates façade movement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable gasket acts as an intermediary element between the rigid sealant and the façade. It absorbs and accommodates the dynamic movement and pressure changes, protecting the sealant from delamination while maintaining the sealing function.
2Reliability
If a rigid sealant is used to maintain structural adequacy, then fire and noise protection is provided, but it prevents thermal expansion and contraction of the façade
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct functional components: a rigid sealant bead that provides acoustic and fire sealing, and a separate movable gasket that accommodates façade movement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed with elastic properties that allow it to change its physical parameters (compression, expansion) in response to thermal and dynamic movements, while the sealant maintains its rigid sealing properties.
3Reliability
If manual sealant application is used to seal the gap, then a seal is created, but it requires skilled labor, has incorrect coverage, and leads to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant and gasket are pre-assembled into a single integrated unit during manufacturing, with the sealant bead precisely positioned in the groove. This preliminary action eliminates the need for skilled manual application and ensures correct coverage and positioning during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit is designed to be self-installing, where the components automatically position themselves correctly during installation without requiring skilled labor for application, smoothing, or quality control.
4Reliability
If sealant is applied to provide fire rating, then fire protection is achieved, but it requires curing time and is subject to serviceability limit state failures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant is pre-applied and pre-cured during manufacturing of the integrated unit, eliminating the need for on-site curing time. The unit is installed in its finished state, immediately providing fire protection without delaying construction schedules.
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 seals the gap between the internal wall and the façade, reducing noise and fire transmission, while ensuring structural integrity and compliance with movement requirements, thus overcoming the limitations of existing methods and providing a more reliable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient and intumescent component fitted to said first member and abutting against said façade; wherein said apparatus provides and maintains an acoustic and intumescent seal between said internal wall and said façade
Implementation Method 2
a first resilient and intumescent component fitted to said first member and abutting against said façade
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (100) for fitting as an installation between an internal wall (159) of a building and a façade (170) of said building in order to seal a gap (175) between said internal wall (159) and said façade (170), the apparatus (100) including a building profile (101) having a first member (113) and a second member (115) integrally formed with said first member (113), and a first resilient and intumescent component (124) fitted to said first member (113) and abutting against said façade (170), wherein said apparatus (100) provides and maintains an acoustic and intumescent seal between said internal wall (159) and said façade (170).