Window-Edge Piece Composite for Second Water-Guiding Plane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade and window sill connections fail to effectively form a functioning second water-guiding plane, leading to leaks and moisture penetration, which can damage building structures and insulation due to inadequate communication and craftsmanship issues.

Innovation Solution

An edge piece with coupling elements that positively connect to the window frame, forming a watertight seal and incorporating a sealing film to create a trough for draining water, thereby closing the 'trade hole' and ensuring proper insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed trough system is provided as a second water-guiding plane, then water drainage capability is improved, but the system becomes functionless if it does not intercept and drain incoming water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainage capabilityVSAvoidfunctionlessness due to lack of water interception
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The edge piece is designed to preliminarily intercept water at the trade hole interface before it can penetrate into the facade. The coupling elements and sealing mechanisms are pre-configured to capture and redirect water flow into the trough system, ensuring the second water-guiding plane becomes functional by preventing water from reaching harmful locations in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The edge piece acts as an intermediary component between the window sill system and the facade. It mediates the water flow by capturing incoming water through its coupling elements, transferring it to the trough structure, and directing it away from the facade, thus making the closed trough system functional by providing the missing water interception capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If coupling elements are designed for positive connection to window frame, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidprecision of coupling element geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are designed with specific geometric parameters including angled contact surfaces and tolerance zones that accommodate normal manufacturing variations. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable positive connection through geometric interlocking and friction-based holding without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, balancing connection reliability with manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements provide more than minimal connection strength through over-designed contact areas and multiple engagement points. This excessive action in connection strength compensates for normal manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable connection while allowing standard manufacturing precision levels without requiring specialized high-precision processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If edge piece forms watertight seal with window frame, then impermeability to driving rain is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpermeability to driving rainVSAvoidcomplexity of sealing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mechanism utilizes flexible sealing films and membrane-like structures that conform to the window frame geometry. These thin film elements create effective watertight seals through their ability to deform and adapt to surface irregularities, achieving high impermeability with minimal structural complexity compared to rigid multi-component sealing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The edge piece sealing system is designed to be self-sealing through its geometric configuration and material properties. The coupling elements and contact surfaces are shaped to automatically create water barriers when assembled, eliminating the need for complex adjustable sealing mechanisms or multiple sealing components, thus achieving high impermeability with simple self-service sealing action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3430222B1Edge piece and window-edge piece composite
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 KNAUF GIPS KG
  • EP3430222B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3430222B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an edge piece for a connection impermeable to driving rain in the region of window sill, window and facade. The edge piece has coupling elements which form a positive connection with complementary coupling elements of a window frame.