Center Seal Spring Elements for Window Frame Tightness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing center seals do not provide optimal tightness when attached to frame profiles, as they are not securely fixed, leading to suboptimal sealing performance compared to other designs like EP 20 2010 008 921.

Innovation Solution

A central seal profile with sealing spring elements placed in a compressed state when latched to the frame profile, ensuring a defined and secure seat, utilizing a combination of plastics where the base body is made of a less elastic material and the sealing elements are elastomeric, with hook sections and spring elements strategically positioned for enhanced sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the center seal is attached to the frame profile using a simplified fastening method (locking hooks), then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the sealing connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidsealing tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing elastic sealing spring elements that generate compressive force. When the center seal is attached to the frame profile, the sealing spring elements are compressed between the center seal and the frame profile, creating a predefined compressive force that ensures tight sealing connection while maintaining the simplified locking hook fastening method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sealing spring elements are added to improve sealing tightness, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing tightnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function and the fastening function into a single integrated assembly. The sealing spring elements are positioned to act simultaneously on both the center seal and the frame profile during the attachment process, so that one attachment action achieves both secure fastening and effective sealing, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the center seal is made lighter and easier to attach, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing spring elements provide self-service by automatically generating the necessary compressive force to ensure tight sealing and strong connection. Once the center seal is attached to the frame profile using the simplified locking hooks, the sealing spring elements self-compress between these two components, creating the predefined compressive force needed for reliable sealing without requiring additional fastening elements or complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides improved tightness and a firm, defined seat for the center seal, enhancing the sealing performance at the attachment interface and reducing costs without complicating the mounting process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sealing spring element (120) which can be compressed between the center seal (100) and the frame profile (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3680438B1Arrangement of a frame profile and a sealing profile for a window or door frame
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP3680438B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3680438B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3680438B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

A sealing profile for a frame profile (2, 3), in particular a sealing profile which is designed as a central seal (100) for a frame profile in a rebate area (F) between a frame (2) and a sash (3) of a window or door, with a base body (100a) having an outer wall (101) and with at least two wall webs (102, 103, 104, 105) extending at an angle, in particular completely or almost at right angles, from the outer wall (101), wherein one or more of these wall webs has a hook section at their ends, is characterized in that at least one, two or more sealing spring element(s) (120) is formed or arranged on the base body (100a).