Seal element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing membranes struggle to effectively address spatially structured insulation defects, such as transitions from round corners of shower trays to walls or corners of walls meeting each other, due to their inability to conform to complex shapes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element featuring a molded plastic injection part that takes on a spatial shape to cover these defects, made from a thermoplastic elastomer with a Shore hardness of 50 or less, allowing for easy compensation of tolerances and connection with overlapping sealing membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing membranes are used, then sealing on one level is achieved, but spatially structured insulation defects cannot be effectively sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane is transformed from a two-dimensional flat sheet into a three-dimensional spatial structure through injection molding. The molded part receives a spatial shape that covers the defect, enabling the sealing element to conform to corners, transitions, and other spatially structured insulation defects while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element combines a flat sealing membrane with a molded spatial structure in a composite construction. The injection-molded part is connected to the sealing membrane, creating a hybrid structure that provides both the flexibility of the membrane and the shape-conforming capability of the molded portion.
2Shape
If a rigid plastic injection molded part is used, then spatial shape coverage is achieved, but tolerance compensation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the injection molded part are specifically selected to provide elasticity. By using elastomeric materials with appropriate Shore hardness, the part can deform to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and installation variations while maintaining its spatial shape coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molded part is designed with flexible, elastomeric properties rather than rigid characteristics. This flexibility allows the spatially structured sealing element to adapt to slight variations in the insulation defects it covers, ensuring reliable sealing despite tolerance variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex spatial shapes are created, then insulation defects are better covered, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial shape is pre-formed during the injection molding process rather than requiring post-manufacturing assembly or installation shaping. The molded part receives the spatial shape that covers the defect directly from the mold, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing membrane and the spatially structured molded part are combined into a single integrated component through injection molding. This merging of functions into one piece eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing while providing comprehensive coverage of insulation defects.
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
Enables quick and secure sealing of insulation gaps with a high degree of adaptability, capable of covering a variety of shapes and profiles, including corners and transitions between different planes, thereby effectively addressing spatial insulation defects.
Implementation Method 1
If it is particularly intended to fill insulation gaps with a molded plastic part, it has proven to be advantageous if this plastic injection part is rubber-elastic. This allows tolerances to be compensated for in a simple manner.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing element having at least one section of a sealing sheet for construction joints, transitions, corners or similar insulation defects that require spatial sealing is given a spatial shape covering the defect by at least one section with at least one injection-molded plastic part.