Header Seal for Vertically Stacking Panel Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertically stacking panel doors with disconnected sections face air infiltration issues due to gaps at the edges, which can lead to thermal performance problems and air leakage, especially under wind or seismic forces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a header seal and vertical seals, including an adjustable header channel and seal plate, and flexible members made from rubber or plastic, which form a tight seal when the door is closed, reducing air infiltration by aligning with the door's edges and track system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertically stacking panel door sections are disconnected to enable vertical movement along the track, then the door can open and close vertically, but gaps form at the edges causing air infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
A seal plate with flexible seal members is introduced as an intermediary component between the door panels and the track/header. The seal plate includes a first flexible seal member between the top door panel and header channel, and a second flexible seal member between adjacent door panels, preventing air infiltration while allowing vertical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible seal members made of rubber or plastic are used to create sealing interfaces. These flexible members can deform to maintain contact and seal gaps between moving door panels and stationary headers, effectively blocking air infiltration paths while accommodating the vertical stacking motion.
2Loss of energy
If seal components are added to eliminate gaps and reduce air infiltration, then thermal performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated component. It houses both the first flexible seal member for sealing between the top panel and header, and the second flexible seal member for sealing between adjacent panels, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting seal members, creates sealing interfaces at multiple locations (top panel-header and panel-panel junctions), and maintains proper spacing and alignment between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 seal system effectively minimizes air infiltration, meeting or exceeding the 0.30 cfm/ft2 standard at 75 Pa, enhancing the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the vertically stacking panel door system.
Implementation Method 1
flexible members made from rubber or plastic, which form a tight seal when the door is closed
Data Source
AI summary
In example implementations, a header seal for a vertical stacking panel door is provided. The header seal includes a header channel and a seal plate. The header channel includes a body portion comprising a plurality of openings to receive a mechanical fastener and a lip portion coupled to the body portion. The seal plate includes a bracket comprising a plurality of openings to receive a mechanical fastener to connect the bracket to the top most vertical panel and a flexible member to contact the lip portion to form a seal against the lip of the header channel when the vertically stacking panel door is in a closed position.