Facade Connecting Element with Elastic Core for Thermal Movement Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade sealing systems face challenges in maintaining insulation properties due to temperature-induced expansion and contraction of support structures and sealing profiles, leading to tension and difficulty in achieving a watertight seal, especially in metal-glass constructions with multiple-part seals that create seal-free intermediate spaces.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a solid core and elastic areas that spans the seal-free intermediate space, providing stability and adaptability to absorb tension while ensuring airtight and watertight connections through anchoring areas and sealing elements, which can be easily attached to existing facade constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If seals are designed in multiple parts for simpler handling and assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but seal-free intermediate spaces are created that reduce insulation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element itself is segmented into a rigid core and elastic areas, allowing it to be manufactured in a modular fashion that combines structural stability with adaptability to thermal movements
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the seal-free intermediate space between partial seal strands, providing both mechanical connection and sealing function
2Reliability
If silicone or adhesives are used to seal gaps between seals, then sealing effect is improved, but expansion and contraction due to temperature changes cause tension that damages glued connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element changes its physical parameters (shape, length) in response to temperature changes, allowing it to absorb thermal expansion and contraction forces without damaging the sealing connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed as a dynamic component that can deform elastically under thermal stress, transitioning from a static rigid connector to an adaptive element that moves with the support structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connecting element is used to provide stability, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to temperature-induced expansion and contraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines rigid and elastic materials or structural regions within a single component, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides structural stability and thermal adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connecting element have different mechanical properties - the core provides rigidity and stability while the elastic areas provide flexibility and adaptability to thermal movement
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 connecting element effectively compensates for structural tension, enhances insulation properties, and ensures a secure, wind-tight seal by adapting to the facade profile and securely fastening to the support structure, improving both thermal and watertight performance.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element has a solid core and elastic areas connected thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The element (100) has an elastic core (102), and elastic areas (103-105) connected with the elastic core and partially designed as anchorage areas for fixing the connection element to a supporting structure. Overlapping areas are connected with ends of sealing strands. The elastic areas form two sealing elements for forming sealing connection with one of the sealing strands and an inner-side profile of the supporting structure respectively, where one of the sealing elements comprises an elliptical cross-section. Another sealing element has layers made from PVC. An independent claim is also included for a facade of a building comprising a supporting structure and facade elements.