Co-extruded Window Profile: Hard PVC Head and Soft Sealing Foot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slot sealing profiles for windows and doors face issues such as unreliable insertion, complex assembly, and a lack of optical and haptic matching with the frame profile, leading to suboptimal sealing and visual imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A slot closure profile composed of two plastic components with different material properties, where a hard PVC head part matches the frame profile and a soft PVC foot part with elastic properties compensates for manufacturing tolerances, allowing for easy and automatic assembly and disassembly by co-extrusion, ensuring secure sealing and harmonious visual appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft and elastic plastic is used for the slot sealing profile, then manufacturing tolerances are compensated and secure slot sealing is achieved, but optical and haptic properties do not match the hard plastic frame profile
Solution Approach 1:
The slot closure profile is divided into two distinct components: a head part made of hard PVC for optical matching with the frame profile, and a foot part made of soft PVC for elastic sealing. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function with optimal material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining two different plastic materials (hard PVC and soft PVC) within a single slot closure profile. The hard head part provides visual harmony while the soft foot part provides elastic sealing, achieving both optical matching and reliable sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a hard plastic is used for the slot closure profile, then optical and haptic matching with the frame profile is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances cannot be optimally compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The slot closure profile is divided into two distinct components: a head part made of hard PVC for optical matching with the frame profile, and a foot part made of soft PVC for elastic sealing. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function with optimal material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining two different plastic materials (hard PVC and soft PVC) within a single slot closure profile. The hard head part provides visual harmony while the soft foot part provides elastic sealing, achieving both optical matching and reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If the slot closure profile is assembled by threading and twisting, then secure slot closure gripping under the slot opening is ensured, but assembly complexity increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of threading the profile horizontally and twisting it into position, the invention inverts the assembly approach by inserting the profile vertically from above into the slot opening. The beveled edges guide the insertion, and the spring element automatically engages with the slot base, enabling simple automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically engages with the slot base upon vertical insertion, providing self-securing without requiring manual twisting or additional fastening steps. The profile inserts itself into the correct position and secures itself through the elastic engagement of the spring element.
4Ease of manufacture
If the slot closure profile is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but functionality and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slot closure profile is divided into two distinct components: a head part made of hard PVC for optical matching with the frame profile, and a foot part made of soft PVC for elastic sealing. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function with optimal material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining two different plastic materials (hard PVC and soft PVC) within a single slot closure profile. The hard head part provides visual harmony while the soft foot part provides elastic sealing, achieving both optical matching and reliable sealing.
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 enables secure, automatic, and continuous assembly and disassembly of the slot closure profile, providing optimal sealing and a uniform visual and haptic effect, while reducing manufacturing tolerances and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a soft component (9) made of a relatively soft plastic - in particular elastic - adjoining the head part (7) in the direction of the slot base (4)
Implementation Method 2
which forms a spring element (12) pressing the shoulder (10) from below against the slot opening (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The profile (6) has a head part (7) and a soft component (9) comprised of two different material properties. The head part and soft component are firmly metallurgically joined with each other by coextrusion. The head part consists of relatively hard and solid plastic and comprises less height than the soft component that consists of relatively soft and resilient plastic i.e. thermoplastic. The head part has height of 0.8 to 1.5 mm preferably 1.1 to 1.3 mm. The head part has large measurable width that corresponds to large measurable width of a groove aperture (3). An independent claim is also included for an assembly method for a groove closure profile.