Inject Clip Fenestration Frame Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing junctions between intermediate jambs and frame members in fenestration unit frames is challenging due to manufacturing tolerances and clearances, leading to incomplete sealing despite the use of flowable sealants.
Innovation Solution
The use of inject clips at these junctions, which define cavities to control the flow of flowable sealants and provide back pressure for effective sealing, along with fill vents for visual feedback and interlocking features for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flowable sealants are applied to seal gaps at junctions between intermediate jambs and frame members, then sealing of the gaps is attempted, but incomplete sealing occurs even with excessive amounts of sealant
Solution Approach 1:
The inject clip serves as an intermediary device between the sealant application system and the gap to be sealed. It includes a reservoir that receives sealant and a delivery system that controls sealant flow into the gap, ensuring complete and controlled sealing without requiring excessive sealant application
Solution Approach 2:
The inject clip changes the delivery parameters of the sealant by providing controlled flow through its reservoir and delivery system. This transforms the uncontrolled application of excessive sealant into a controlled delivery process that ensures complete gap sealing with appropriate sealant quantities
2Ease of operation
If clearances are provided to facilitate assembly of fenestration unit frames, then ease of assembly is improved, but gaps are formed at junctions that are difficult to seal
Solution Approach 1:
The inject clip acts as an intermediary sealing device that bridges the gap created by necessary clearances. It delivers sealant directly into the gap space, ensuring complete sealing while preserving the assembly clearances needed for easy installation of the fenestration unit frame
Solution Approach 2:
The inject clip is positioned and secured at the junction before final sealant delivery, preparing the sealing pathway in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures that when sealant is delivered, it flows completely into the gap without obstruction, achieving reliable sealing while maintaining assembly ease
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 inject clips ensure controlled and complete delivery of flowable sealants across the gaps, enhancing the sealing efficacy and providing repeatable results.
Implementation Method 1
the inject clips define one or more cavities that, upon the introduction of flowable sealant, provide back pressure that promotes the flow of the flowable sealant into and across the gaps found at the junctions
Data Source
AI summary
Fenestration unit frames with intermediate jambs including one or more inject clips at junctions between the intermediate jambs and frame members and methods of making the same are described herein. Sealing junctions between intermediate jambs and the frame members of fenestration unit frames to limit or prevent air and/or water infiltration can be difficult due to, e.g., manufacturing tolerances and clearances needed to facilitate assembly of the fenestration unit frames.