Thermoplastic Foam Sealing Strip for Variable Construction Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing tapes for construction joints, such as pre-compressed polyurethane foam strips, face issues with inconsistent expansion rates due to temperature, limited suitability for varying joint widths, and difficulty in installation, leading to increased errors and material requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sealing strip made of thermoplastic foam with adjustable compression hardness, torsional stability, and adhesive layers, allowing for precise application and sealing on uneven surfaces and varying widths, regardless of temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-compressed sealing tapes are used, then sealing is achieved through foam expansion, but the expansion rate depends on ambient temperature causing installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from temperature-dependent polyurethane foam to temperature-independent thermoplastic foam, eliminating the harmful temperature dependency of expansion rate while maintaining the sealing function through mechanical compression and adhesive bonding
2Reliability
If pre-compressed sealing tapes are used, then sealing is achieved, but multiple dimensions must be kept in stock increasing space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sealing strip that can be used for various joint widths through a single product design, eliminating the need to stock multiple dimensions. The one-size-fits-all approach allows the same product to serve multiple sealing applications
3Force
If foam expansion is used for sealing, then sealing force is generated, but sealing properties against the wall are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining thermoplastic foam material with adhesive layers on both side faces, creating a multi-functional sealing system that provides both mechanical sealing force through compression and chemical bonding through adhesion, significantly improving sealing quality against walls
4Reliability
If flexible plastic material is used for sealing strip, then sealing is achieved, but the strip is difficult to press into narrow joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the material parameters by selecting thermoplastic foam with specific compression hardness (10-50 IRHD) and density (15-40 kg/m³), achieving the right balance between flexibility for narrow joint insertion and structural integrity for effective sealing
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
Facilitates quick, reliable, and uniform sealing of construction joints, reducing installation errors and material needs, while maintaining airtightness and adhesion across different materials and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive layer is applied to one side of the foam strip, allowing the sealing tape to be bonded to a component
Implementation Method 2
The base body is made of a deformable material, preferably a foam... The deformable base body allows for optimal adaptation and thus optimized sealing against uneven surfaces and varying joint widths
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2h
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing strip (1) for sealing joints, preferably in the construction sector, with an elongated base body (11) which is bounded by a first cheek side (111) on which an adhesive layer (13) is arranged, a second cheek side (111') on which an adhesive layer (13') is arranged, a first end face (112) and a second end face (112') and is made of a deformable material, wherein the base body (11) is made of a thermoplastic foam material and has a compression hardness (according to DIN ISO 3386-01) at 50% compression of a maximum of 30 kPa.