Composite Sealing Tape for Vapor-Tight Frame Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing systems for frame elements in buildings, such as windows and doors, often fail to provide reliable vapor diffusion-tight seals, especially in varying installation situations, as flexible foam tapes alone cannot meet the required sealing properties.

Innovation Solution

A sealing tape comprising a foam tape with an adhesive layer and a film tape with variable water vapor diffusion resistance, where the film tape has a first edge section attached to the foam tape and a second edge section attached to the structure, allowing for flexible installation and effective sealing regardless of masonry shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible foam tape is used for sealing joints, then ease of installation and adaptability to different joint shapes are improved, but vapor diffusion-tight sealing properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different joint shapesVSAvoidvapor diffusion-tight sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system combines a foam tape (providing flexibility and adaptability) with a film tape (providing vapor diffusion resistance). The film tape is attached to the foam tape, creating a composite structure that delivers both mechanical adaptability and vapor barrier properties required for reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is divided into two functional segments: a foam tape segment for mechanical adaptation to joint shapes and a film tape segment for vapor diffusion protection. Each segment performs its specific function, and together they provide complete sealing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a film tape with high vapor diffusion resistance is added to the foam tape, then vapor barrier properties are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor barrier propertiesVSAvoidsealing system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The film tape and foam tape are merged into a single integrated sealing unit, where the film tape is attached to the foam tape. This combined structure is installed as one piece, simplifying the installation process despite the increased structural complexity of having two tape types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the film tape is attached along its entire length to the foam tape, then structural stability is improved, but installation flexibility and adaptability to masonry shapes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm tape attachment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The film tape is attached to the foam tape only in specific local areas (edge sections) rather than along its entire length. This localized attachment provides sufficient structural stability while leaving the connecting section flexible and unattached, enabling the film tape to adapt to various masonry shapes and installation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures reliable sealing of joints between frame elements and structures by adapting to different installation conditions, maintaining effective vapor barrier properties across varying humidity levels and providing enhanced thermal insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a first adhesive layer (6) is provided on the underside (2b) for attachment to the frame element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

at least the connecting section (14) of the film strip (4) has a variable s d value... the water vapor diffusion resistance of a material changes depending on the humidity of the atmosphere surrounding them

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater vapor diffusion resistance: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 3

a foam tape (2) which has a substantially rectangular cross section... for sealing against drafts and thermal insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3425132B1Installation arrangement of a sealing strip for sealing a joint between a frame member and a structure

Publication Date: 2022.02.09 ISO CHEM GMBH

Figure 1~2

AI summary

A sealing tape (1) for sealing a joint between a frame element and a structure comprises a foam tape (2) having a substantially rectangular cross-section with a top surface (2a), a bottom surface (2b) opposite the top surface (2a), and two longitudinal side faces (2c, 2d), extending in a longitudinal direction. A first adhesive layer (6) for attaching the foam tape (2) to the frame element is provided on the bottom surface (2b). The sealing tape further comprises a film tape (4) having a first edge section (10), a second edge section (12), and a connecting section (14), the connecting section (14) being arranged between the first and second edge sections (10, 12). The first edge section (10) is bonded to the top surface (2a) of the foam tape (2), while the connecting section (14) and the second edge section (12) are not bonded to the foam tape (2).