EPDM Modular Unit Seal for Airtight Building Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for modular buildings fail to achieve high airtightness and are time-consuming and prone to errors during installation, which affects energy efficiency and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A seal with a cross-section featuring a horizontal part, a short vertical part, a curved protrusion, and shorter protrusions is inserted between modular units, made of EPDM rubber, which self-adheres to the modules, ensuring an airtight connection without additional glues or mounting accessories by deforming under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing systems are used with foils and glues, then airtightness can be achieved, but installation time increases and probability of mistakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal cross-section geometry is changed from traditional simple profiles to a complex profile with horizontal part, vertical part, curved protrusion, and shorter protrusions. This geometric parameter change enables the seal to achieve airtightness through deformation under compression alone, eliminating the need for additional glues or mounting accessories and significantly reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made from elastomeric material that combines flexibility, compressibility, and adhesive properties. This composite material approach allows the seal to deform under compression to create airtight connection without requiring separate gluing operations, thus reducing installation time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional sealing systems with multiple components are used, then airtightness can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (sealing, adhesion, compression resistance) into a single integrated seal component with a specifically designed cross-section. The horizontal part, vertical part, curved protrusion, and shorter protrusions work together as one unit to achieve airtightness without requiring separate glues or mounting accessories, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If simple seal cross-section is used, then installation is easier, but airtightness cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The seal cross-section is designed with specific geometric parameters including horizontal part, vertical part, curved protrusion, and shorter protrusions. These parameter changes enable the seal to deform under compression to create an airtight connection, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of installation through the self-adhering elastomeric material
4Reliability
If additional glues or mounting accessories are used, then airtightness can be improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal is designed to be self-adhering and self-sealing through its specific cross-section geometry. When compressed between modular units, the horizontal part, vertical part, curved protrusion, and shorter protrusions deform to create an airtight connection without requiring additional glues or mounting accessories, thus reducing installation time while maintaining reliability
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 a reliable, efficient, and error-free airtight connection between modular units, enhancing energy efficiency and simplifying the installation process while preventing air leaks and moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is inserted between profiles of two modular units to be joined, wherein the seal has a cross-section comprising a horizontal part, which is: on one end provided with a short vertical part approximately perpendicular to the horizontal part to form an approximate letter L, and on the other end provided with a curved protrusion below the horizontal part
Implementation Method 2
The seal is preferably self-adhesive, so that it is provided with glue on one side to ensure reliable contact with the unit
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of construction and modular units for low-energy modular buildings, more precisely to the field of sealing systems for ensuring airtight connections between modular units. The invention relates to an improved seal for an airtight connection between modular units and modular units joined with the said seal and a method for installation of modular units into building using the said seal. The essence of the invention is that the connection for installation between modular units is in that a seal is inserted between profiles of two modular units to be joined, wherein the seal has a cross-section shaped as a lying letter L with a curved protrusion on the side opposite the short part of the letter L, and wherein at least one, preferably two additional shorter protrusions are provided in the longer part of the lying letter L. The shorter protrusions are on the same side as the longer protrusion. When the seal is installed, an airtight connection between the units is created. The seal is preferably made of EPDM material.