Expansion Joint Sealing Structure for Seamless Floor-Wall Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion joints between building components, particularly between floors and walls, are prone to damage due to inadequate sizing, and conventional fillers like silicone are unsightly and difficult to maintain, while modern design trends seek seamless transitions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device comprising a movably mounted joint body within a receiving body, incorporating an elastic element, which compensates for component expansion and contraction, ensuring a visually seamless and protected joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone is used to fill expansion joints, then the joint is sealed and protected from dirt and water, but the appearance becomes unsightly and the joint gets dirty easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a baseboard as an intermediary element between the floor covering and the wall. This baseboard with a rubber lip serves as a mediator that provides the sealing function previously achieved by silicone, while simultaneously offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance that aligns with modern interior design trends. The baseboard acts as a intermediate structure that bridges the functional requirement of sealing and the aesthetic requirement of visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical sealing mechanism (silicone) with a mechanical sealing system consisting of a baseboard and a rubber lip. Instead of relying on the adhesive and elastic properties of silicone, the solution uses the mechanical compression of the rubber lip against the floor covering and wall to achieve sealing. This substitution allows for better aesthetics while maintaining the protective function.
2Shape
If baseboards with rubber lips are installed, then aesthetic appearance improves, but the solution becomes less suitable for modern seamless design trends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of the baseboard design, specifically the profile shape and material composition, to better suit modern interior design requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the baseboard can achieve a more streamlined appearance that aligns with contemporary seamless design trends while retaining its sealing functionality.
3Shape
If expansion joints are left unfilled, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but protection from dirt and water penetration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rubber lip as a flexible sealing element that can deform to conform to the interface between the floor covering and wall. This flexible membrane provides effective sealing against dirt and water penetration while maintaining a clean visual appearance, as it can be designed to be minimally visible or match the surrounding materials.
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 device provides optimal protection and aesthetic appeal by allowing components to expand and contract without visible damage, using a mechanical solution that integrates seamlessly with building materials.
Implementation Method 1
at least one permanently elastic element, located within the receiving body and acting between the two, may be arranged between them. This elastic element may be a compression element that pushes the jointing body away from the receiving body.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for filling and/or at least optically sealing an expansion joint (1) between two components (2, 3), in particular between a floor (2) and a wall (3), having a mechanically acting joint body (4), a receiving body (5) which at least partially accommodates the joint body (4) and optionally at least one elastic element (6) which is provided in the receiving body (5) and acts between the joint body (4) and the receiving body (5), wherein the receiving body (5) is associated with one of the components (2 or 3), and the joint body (4) acts between the components (3 or 2), wherein the joint body (4) is movably mounted in the receiving body (5) in such a way that it substantially closes and/or seals the expansion joint (1).