Joint Covering Profile With Curved Bellows Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint strips struggle to effectively compensate for large dimensional fluctuations between components and adjacent plaster due to limitations in design, particularly in accommodating shrinkage and temperature-related changes.

Innovation Solution

A joint strip with arcuate or curved fold edges in the bellows, allowing for greater expansion with less material stress, combined with a softer plastic material for the folded side walls and specific radii dimensions, enables enhanced compensation and insulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If linear fold edges with acute angles are used in the bellows, then the bellows can be compact in construction space, but the ability to compensate for large dimensional fluctuations is limited due to high material stress on the folds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation range for dimensional fluctuationsVSAvoidfatigue strength under dynamic loading
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing linear fold edges with arcuate or curved fold edges in the bellows structure. This curvature allows the material to distribute stress more evenly during expansion and compression, preventing stress concentration at acute angles. The arcuate fold edges enable the bellows to accommodate larger dimensional fluctuations while maintaining fatigue strength under dynamic loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Length of moving object

If the bellows is expanded to compensate for larger dimensional fluctuations, then the compensation capability increases, but the construction space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifference between minimum and maximum height of bellowsVSAvoidconstruction space of the bellows
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The arcuate fold edges enable the bellows to achieve greater expansion capacity within a compact construction space. The curved geometry allows for more efficient space utilization during expansion cycles, maximizing the difference between minimum and maximum height while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the bellows structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If softer plastic material is used for the folded side walls, then fatigue strength under dynamic loading improves, but the structural rigidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefatigue strength over long periodVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter by selecting softer plastic materials for the folded side walls of the bellows. This parameter change increases the material's elasticity and fatigue resistance, allowing the bellows to withstand repeated expansion and compression cycles. The softer material absorbs dynamic loads more effectively, improving reliability over long periods while the arcuate geometry maintains sufficient structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 joint strip effectively compensates for larger dimensional changes while maintaining a compact design and ensuring high fatigue strength, along with improved insulation and reduced stress on the material, allowing for long-term dynamic loading.

Implementation Method 1

arcuate fold edges offer the possibility of pulling these apart to a greater length with less stress on the folds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Such changes in size can occur, for example, after plastering due to shrinkage of the plaster when it sets or also in the installed state due to weather-related temperature fluctuations inside or outside a building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3569807B1Joint covering profile
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 WEROFORM
  • EP3569807B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3569807B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3569807B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a joint strip for a joint formed between a building element, in particular a window or door frame, and adjacent plaster, comprising a contact section for attaching the joint strip to a building element, a plaster receiving section for connecting with the plaster, and a compensation section for compensating for changes in the joint's dimensions, wherein the compensation section includes a bellows having two folded side walls. According to the invention, at least one folded side wall has at least one folded edge which is curved.