Fan-Shaped Corner Flashing for Window Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door sealing systems lack a reliable method to ensure a watertight seal against driving rain, as the effectiveness of the overall bond between window/door frames and reveals depends on the skill of installers and cannot be tested in advance, leading to inconsistent water-tightness.

Innovation Solution

A corner section with a fan-shaped design and self-adhesive properties, made from a water-impervious elastic material, that encloses the corner of a window or door frame and connects with the reveal in a watertight manner, creating a second drainage level to divert water outside, using adhesive surfaces for secure bonding and accommodating varying installation tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rubber strips are manually cut, glued and fitted to seal gaps between window/door frames and reveals, then a sealing level is achieved, but the process requires great effort and skill, leading to inconsistent water-tightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater-tightnessVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The corner section integrates multiple sealing functions into a single pre-formed component that combines tanking, bonding, and sealing features. This merges the previously separate operations of applying rubber strips, adhesive bonding, and water diversion into one integrated element that ensures consistent water-tightness without requiring manual manipulation or high installer skill.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner section is pre-formed with integrated tanking and bonding features before installation. The adhesive bonding layer is pre-applied and the tanking structure is pre-configured, eliminating the need for on-site cutting, folding, and manual assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures consistent quality independent of installer skill.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If individual components meet waterproofing requirements, then each component is water-tight, but the overall bond between window/door and reveal cannot be tested in advance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent water-tightnessVSAvoidoverall bond consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The corner section merges tanking, bonding, and sealing functions into a single integrated component. This ensures that the overall bond between window/door and reveal is designed and manufactured as one unified system rather than separate components, allowing consistent quality control and enabling the overall assembly to meet waterproofing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from testing individual components to designing an integrated corner section where the overall bond parameters are controlled during manufacturing. The pre-formed nature of the corner section allows for consistent dimensional control and adhesive application, ensuring the overall assembly meets required water-tightness standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a fan-shaped corner section with adhesive surfaces is used, then consistent watertight seal is achieved independent of installer skill, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal consistencyVSAvoidcorner section structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner section merges tanking, bonding, and sealing functions into one integrated component. The fan-shaped design with varying width is pre-formed as a single piece with adhesive surfaces already in place, ensuring consistent water-tightness while the integration of functions actually simplifies the overall installation process despite the sophisticated geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner section features local variations in width (fan-shaped design) and localized adhesive bonding surfaces positioned at specific areas requiring sealing. This local quality approach addresses specific sealing needs at the corner region while maintaining a relatively simple overall form factor that does not require complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 corner section ensures a reliable and consistent watertight seal against driving rain by providing a second drainage level, independent of installer skill, and can be easily adapted to fit various frame and reveal configurations, enhancing the overall water-tightness of window and door installations.

Implementation Method 1

made from a water-impervious elastic material, that encloses the corner of a window or door frame and connects with the reveal in a watertight manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using adhesive surfaces for secure bonding and accommodating varying installation tolerances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3292261B1Corner flashing for a window or door opening
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 KNAUF GIPS KG
  • EP3292261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a corner section for installing a window or door frame in a sealing system, thereby ensuring that the system is sealed against driving rain. The invention allows for a second water-drainage level in this system.