Insulated Transition Element for Sectional Door Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectional doors suffer from significant thermal bridging between the space to be closed and the surrounding environment due to metal transition elements, which are good conductors of heat, despite efforts to improve thermal insulation through edge profiles and sealing elements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an insulating material arrangement covering the outer boundary surface of the transition element, extending over the entire width and into the reveal, combined with channels and sealing lips, effectively decouples the metallic transition element from the environment, reducing heat transfer and noise transmission while preventing moisture and dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal transition element is used to bridge the gap between the door leaf and the wall, then the structural stability and sealing of the door is improved, but a thermal bridge is created causing significant heat losses
Solution Approach 1:
The transition element is constructed as a composite structure with a metal core profile providing structural strength and sealing function, and an insulating material coating covering the outer boundary surface to interrupt thermal conduction. This composite design allows the transition element to maintain mechanical stability while significantly reducing heat transfer to the surroundings.
2Loss of energy
If the insulating material arrangement extends over the entire width of the transition element, then thermal separation is maximized, but the contact area between metal and environment is reduced which may affect structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material coating is applied selectively to cover the outer boundary surface of the transition element that faces the surroundings, while leaving the inner boundary surface that contacts the door leaf insulated by the door leaf's own insulation. This localized insulation approach maximizes thermal separation where needed while preserving structural integrity at critical contact points.
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
This solution significantly enhances thermal insulation by minimizing contact areas between the metallic transition element and the environment, reducing heat loss, and provides mechanical decoupling to dampen vibrations and noise, while maintaining the structural stability and aesthetic appeal of the door.
Implementation Method 1
the insulating material arrangement covering the outer boundary surface of the transition element, in particular of its outer boundary surface facing away from the space to be closed
Implementation Method 2
the insulating material arrangement extends in the width direction of the transition element beyond that into the reveal of the opening to be closed with the door leaf
Implementation Method 3
only small contact areas of the metallic transition element are created, in which there could be contact with the environment of the room closed with the door leaf, is excluded
Implementation Method 4
during the movement of the door leaf, vibrations that can be transmitted to the wall via the guide rail and the frame beam and thus also a corresponding noise development can be damped
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gate with a gate leaf movable between a closed position, in which it closes a wall opening bounded by a jamb, and an open position releasing the wall opening, and at least one transition element forming a transition between the gate leaf and the wall having the jamb in the closed position of the gate leaf, wherein the transition element is at least partially covered, in particular on its outer boundary surface facing away from the space to be closed by the closing element, by an insulating material arrangement formed from a material designed for thermal insulation.