Facade Post Drainage Sealing Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mullion and transom constructions fail to effectively drain water from drainage channels at connection points between pillars, leading to moisture accumulation and potential penetration issues, especially in longer profiles.
Innovation Solution
A mullion and transom construction featuring a sealing element between the upper and lower pillars, with a closed drainage channel and drainage openings above the sealing element, allowing water to be diverted out of the drainage channel at the connection point, and a sealing compound injection system to enhance water diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drainage channel is formed on the upper post to drain water, then water drainage capability is improved, but water accumulates at the connection point between posts causing penetration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel is segmented into an upper section and a lower section by the sealing element positioned at the connection point between posts. The upper drainage channel drains water into the upper infill element cavity, while the lower drainage channel drains water into the lower infill element cavity, preventing water accumulation at the connection point
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the upper and lower posts. It includes a sealing body that seals the drainage channel and a sealing rod that extends into the upper post to seal the upper drainage channel, effectively blocking water from penetrating through the connection point while maintaining drainage functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing element is added to seal the drainage channel at the connection point, then water penetration is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element serves multiple functions: it seals the drainage channel to prevent water penetration, provides a mounting structure for the sealing rod, and facilitates the drainage of water into the infill element cavities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rod is nested within the sealing body, with the sealing rod extending into the upper post while being supported by the sealing body. This nested configuration allows the sealing element to effectively seal both the upper and lower drainage channels using a single integrated component
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
This solution effectively reduces water accumulation at lower collection points, prevents water from running down through the construction, and ensures discreet drainage, enhancing the durability and water management in facade and skylight applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element is arranged, at least in the area of the drainage channel, between an upper post (2) and a lower post (2')... The sealing element seals the drainage channel to such an extent that the water flowing downwards in the upper post does not continue through the drainage channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A post-and-beam construction, particularly for facades or skylights, comprises an upper post (2) supported on a lower post (2'), wherein a drainage channel (7) is formed on the upper post (2), and wherein a sealing element (11) is arranged between the upper post (2) and the lower post (2'), at least in the area of the drainage channel (7), and water in the drainage channel (7) is drained out of the drainage channel (7) above the sealing element (11). This ensures reliable drainage in the area of the joint between two posts (2, 2').