Gap Filler Assembly With Leaf Spring For Window Mullions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial buildings with large glass windows and metallic structures, gaps often form between partition walls and window mullions due to structural limitations, requiring a gap filler that is resilient, aesthetically pleasing, and effective in blocking sound transmission for privacy.
Innovation Solution
A gap filler assembly comprising an elongated extruded element with a sealing gasket and a holding leaf spring, which provides friction retention and compressive force to seal the gap, while allowing for relative movement due to wind forces and accommodating varying gap sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid gap filler is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to gap size variations and wind-induced movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler employs a spring mechanism that transforms the rigid structure into a dynamic system capable of adapting to varying gap sizes and wind-induced movements. The spring allows the filler to compress and expand, maintaining contact with both the partition wall and window frame while accommodating relative motion, thus preserving structural stability without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the gap filler from rigid to elastic by introducing a spring element. This parameter change enables the filler to adjust its compression level according to gap size variations and external forces, simultaneously achieving structural stability and adaptability to different gap conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a foam element is wedged into the gap, then ease of installation is improved, but sound blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a spring element for structural support and gap accommodation, and a dense sealing material for sound blocking. This composite structure maintains ease of installation as a single unit while achieving superior sound isolation compared to foam alone, as the dense material provides better acoustic barrier properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material qualities to different parts of the gap filler: the spring portion provides mechanical flexibility and installation ease, while the sealing portion uses dense, sound-absorbing material to block sound transmission. This local differentiation of material properties simultaneously achieves ease of installation and effective sound blocking.
3Shape
If the partition wall is positioned directly in front of the window mullion, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sound blocking capability deteriorates due to gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler acts as an intermediary element between the partition wall and window frame, filling the aesthetic and acoustic gap created by positioning the wall in front of the mullion. It provides a finished appearance while simultaneously blocking sound transmission through its dense sealing material, thus resolving both aesthetic and acoustic requirements.
4Shape
If an elongated structure is used to cover the gap, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sound blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated gap filler combines aesthetic finishing material with sound-blocking material in a single integrated structure. The outer portion provides aesthetic coverage while the internal sealing portion uses dense material to block sound transmission, thus achieving both aesthetic appearance and effective sound isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated filler structure differentiates material properties along its length: the exposed portion uses aesthetically pleasing material to cover the gap visually, while the portion in contact with the partition wall and window frame uses dense, sound-absorbing material to block sound transmission, achieving both aesthetic and acoustic functions.
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 gap filler assembly effectively blocks speech-range sound transmission, maintains aesthetic appeal, and accommodates thermal expansion and wind-induced deformations, ensuring durability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic structure also serves as frames for the large windows... the gap filling structure should have some degree of elasticity to allow for frame motion without adding additional loads to the partition walls
Implementation Method 2
The leaf spring functions as a friction retainer, as well as a compressing force element
Implementation Method 3
The gap filler assembly allows relative movement of the exterior wall relative to the partition wall by further deflection of the leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
A gap filler assembly for covering a gap between two surfaces, for example, a partition wall end and a window mullion. The gap filler assembly includes an elongated filler member having (i) a first leg, and (ii) a second leg on an interior side of the first leg and extending from the first leg. A spring retainer is positioned on an interior side of the first leg and a spring is connected to the spring retainer. A gasket is positioned on an exterior side of the second leg.