Insulating Rigid-Foam Sealing Element With Controlled Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing tapes and strips for building structures expand quickly, requiring rapid processing after unwinding, and lack efficient handling and installation methods, especially for complex geometries and window or facade designs.

Innovation Solution

A sealing element with a carrier strip made of insulating rigid foam and a compressed band held by releasable holding means, allowing controlled expansion at the construction site for precise positioning and adaptation to various geometries, facilitating installation and reducing on-site work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a compressed sealing band is used to enable precise positioning and controlled expansion, then installation time and handling are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for holding means and release mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing band is pre-compressed and fixed in a groove before installation, allowing the sealing element to be positioned and installed in its compact form. The compression is maintained by holding means (such as clips or mechanical fixtures) that are removed or released after installation to allow expansion. This preliminary preparation enables controlled timing of expansion, resolving the contradiction between installation efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the compressed band is allowed to expand quickly to provide sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but handling and positioning become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidhandling and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing band is pre-compressed into a groove in the carrier strip before installation, maintaining it in a compact, easy-to-handle state during positioning and installation. After the sealing element is properly positioned and secured, the holding means are released to allow the band to expand and provide the necessary sealing force. This sequence ensures both ease of operation during installation and reliable sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The groove in the carrier strip acts as an intermediary structure that temporarily holds the compressed band in place during installation. The groove provides a defined path and containment for the band, making it easier to position and install while maintaining compression. After installation, the band expands from this intermediary position to achieve its sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing element is designed to adapt to different geometries through expansion, then versatility is improved, but the initial compressed form requires more complex holding and release mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to geometriesVSAvoidholding and release mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing band is pre-compressed and secured in a groove with holding means before installation. After the sealing element is positioned in the desired geometry, the holding means are released to allow the band to expand and adapt to the specific geometric requirements of the application. This approach enables versatility while keeping the holding and release mechanisms relatively simple, as they only need to maintain compression during installation rather than during the entire service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 controlled expansion of the sealing element for improved handling and installation, adapting to different geometries, reducing installation time, and providing effective sealing and insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed band (3), the compression of which is maintained by holding means (5) on or in the compressed band (3)... The holding means (5) are releasable in order to expand the compressed band (3) at a predetermined time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic Recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4617463A1Sealing element, component and method for mounting a component in a building body
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4617463A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4617463A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4617463A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sealing element (1) for sealing a building element (11) from a building structure (20) comprises a support strip (2) made of an insulating rigid foam, to which a compressed band (3) is fixed on at least one side. The compression is maintained by means of holding means (5) on or in the compressed band (3), wherein the holding means (5) are releasable in order to expand the compressed band (3). This allows the building element (11) to be effectively mounted in a building structure (20). Furthermore, a building element and a method for mounting a building element (11) are provided.