Hidden Multiaxial Sealing Strip for Durable Sanitary Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing methods for sanitary installations, such as silicon gaskets and metal or plastic profiles, are aesthetically unpleasing and prone to wear from cleaning products, with visible seals that require periodic inspection and renewal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, multiaxial waterproof strip with adhesive sheets and a polymer-based waterproof layer, including a reinforcing textile mesh, that can be applied to form a sealed joint hidden between elements, allowing for adaptation to various surface contours and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone gasket and metal or plastic profiles are used for sealing, then the sealing function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the materials are exposed to wear from cleaning products
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the visible surface and integrated into the joint structure between elements. The waterproof strip is placed inside the joint formed by the first element (shower tray/bathtub), second element (facing/wall), and third element (coating/paving), making the sealing gasket completely hidden and protected from cleaning products while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof strip is nested within the joint structure between multiple elements. The first area formed by the joining of first and second sheets is hidden between the second and third elements, and the branches are hidden in the joint between the second element and the first and third elements, creating a nested configuration that protects the sealing materials.
2Reliability
If silicone gasket is used for sealing, then the sealing function is achieved, but periodic inspection and renewal are required
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof strip is protected beforehand by being completely hidden within the joint structure between elements. The first area formed of the joining of the first and second sheets is hidden between both second and third elements, and the branches are hidden in the joint between the second element and the first and third element. This protective configuration shields the sealing materials from degradation, eliminating the need for periodic inspection and renewal.
3Reliability
If the sealing gasket is visible from the outside, then the sealing function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the visible surface and relocated to the hidden joint area. The waterproof strip is placed inside the joint formed by multiple elements, completely removing the visual presence of sealing materials from the exterior while preserving the sealing function through the hidden configuration of branches and first area.
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 solution provides a hidden, durable, and aesthetically improved seal that adapts to complex surfaces, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional sealing methods by ensuring a sealed joint without visible exposure to wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the branches covered with adhesive sheet is stuck onto one of the two contiguous faces of the first element... Once the waterproof strip has been placed, it is stuck with an adhesive, preferably of the C2 cement contact type, onto the surface of the second element
Implementation Method 2
the first and second sheets are equipped with a waterproof layer, which includes a reinforcing mesh on the rear surface thereof. The waterproof layer of the first and second sheets is a polymer material and the reinforcing mesh is a textile material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A multiaxial sealing strip, for joining at least a first element (11), a second element (9, 12) and a third element (10, 13) in a sealed manner, wherein it comprises a first sheet (1) and a second sheet (2), which are flexible and waterproof, being joined to each other in a first area (3) from where they separate, thus defining each flexible branch (4), the inner surfaces of which are covered, at least partially, by an adhesive sheet (5), upon which a removable protective film (6) is comprised, in order to stick each one of the adhesive sheets (5) onto one of the two contiguous faces of the first element (11) along its entire perimeter and onto which the second element (9, 12) and the third element (10, 13) are respectively fastened, and where the first area (3) is arranged between the second element (9, 12) and the third element (10, 13) that are joined to each other, the strip thus being completely hidden. The first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2) comprise a waterproof layer (7), which comprises a reinforcing mesh (8) on the rear surface thereof.