Inflatable Sealing Element for Roof Window Gap Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows face challenges in achieving optimal sealing, insulation, and sound dampening while maintaining smooth operation and minimizing frictional resistance during sash movement.
Innovation Solution
A roof window system featuring a flexible, tubular inflatable sealing element that fills with fluid in the closure position to seal gaps between the sash and frame, reducing friction and risk of damage, and deflates for easy operation, with the option to be placed on either the frame or sash, and integrated with a pressure source for controlled inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional striking bead gasket is used on the sash and frame, then the sash can pivot smoothly during opening and closing, but the sealing and insulation performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct levels: a traditional striking bead gasket that contacts first during closure to guide and protect the sash, and a secondary inflatable sealing element that engages afterward to provide enhanced sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the smooth pivoting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable sealing element transitions from a deflated state during opening/closing operation to an inflated state during the closed position. This dynamic state change allows the sealing element to be flexible during movement (not interfering with pivoting) and rigid/sealing during the closed position (providing enhanced sealing and insulation).
2Reliability
If the gap between frame and sash is minimized to reduce heat loss and draught, then sealing performance improves, but the frame and sash members become more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the gap dimension horizontally, the solution adds a vertical dimension by introducing an inflatable element that expands perpendicular to the gap plane. This allows the gap to remain physically present for smooth operation while the inflated element bridges the gap to provide sealing, effectively solving the problem in a different dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element changes its physical parameters (volume, pressure, cross-sectional area) by inflating and deflating. During operation, it remains deflated with minimal impact on the gap; during closure, it inflates to increase its sealing cross-section, effectively reducing the functional gap without requiring permanent structural changes to the frame or sash.
3Reliability
If an inflatable sealing element is used to improve sealing and insulation, then heat loss and sound transmission are reduced, but frictional resistance during sash movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable sealing element operates in periodic cycles: deflated state during opening and closing movements (low friction period), and inflated state during the closed position (high sealing period). This periodic action ensures that the sealing element only engages when needed, minimizing frictional resistance during operation while maintaining excellent sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element dynamically changes its physical state between deflated and inflated based on operational requirements. During movement, it remains deflated to minimize contact and friction with the sash; during closure, it inflates to provide enhanced sealing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between smooth operation and effective sealing.
4Reliability
If a larger abutment surface is provided between frame and sash to improve sealing, then closure effectiveness improves, but the operating force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution replaces the need for large mechanical abutment surfaces with a pneumatic system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical compression of large surfaces to achieve sealing, an inflatable element uses internal fluid pressure to generate sealing force. This substitution allows effective closure with reduced operating force, as the inflation pressure provides the necessary sealing force without requiring large contact areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element changes its pressure parameter during operation. During closure, inflation pressure increases to provide strong sealing force; during operation, pressure is reduced or released to minimize resistance. This dynamic parameter change allows effective sealing without requiring continuously high operating forces.
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
Enhances sealing and insulation, reduces operational force, and extends component lifetime by minimizing friction and snagging risks during closing, while maintaining effective sound dampening.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow profile being configured to assume an inflated state and a deflated state, the inflated state being obtained by filling with a fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least one sealing element of said set is made from a flexible material and comprises a substantially tubular hollow profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A roof window system (1) comprising of a frame (2) with a top member (21), a bottom member (24), two side members (22, 23), an operating element and a sealing element (80) with a tubular hollow profile (80.1). The sealing element (80) is made from a flexible material; thus the hollow profile (80.1) can assume an inflated or a deflated state by adding fluid via a pressure source. By positioning the operating element in a closure or an opening position, the hollow profile can become inflated or deflated, respectively, and improved sealing, insulation and/or sound dampening properties are achieved.