Magnetically Mountable Seal for Door Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic weatherstripping technologies do not effectively seal the gap between a door and its frame or another door, and they can interfere with the operation of the door when opened.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically mountable seal comprising a magnetic portion and a sealing portion that can attach to either surface of a door or frame in parallel or perpendicular orientations, allowing the sealing portion to cover the gap without interfering with door operation, and optionally featuring a vinyl layer, cutouts for hinges, handles, or locks, and materials for thermal, acoustic, or hermetic insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic weatherstrip is used to seal the gap between door and frame, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but door operation becomes interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two distinct portions: a magnetic portion for attachment and a sealing portion for gap sealing. This segmentation allows the magnetic portion to be positioned away from the gap, preventing interference with door operation while the sealing portion effectively seals the gap when the door is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal extends beyond the gap in a direction perpendicular to the gap, creating an overhang portion. This dimensional extension allows the seal to engage with the frame or door surface without obstructing the door's movement path, resolving the conflict between sealing effectiveness and operational ease.
2Reliability
If the seal is positioned to effectively cover the gap, then sealing performance is improved, but door functionality is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment function is extracted and separated from the sealing function. The magnetic portion attaches to the door at a location that does not interfere with door functionality, while the sealing portion is positioned to cover the gap effectively. This extraction resolves the conflict between sealing performance and door functionality.
3Reliability
If a fixed weatherstrip is used to seal the gap, then sealing is achieved, but damage to door or frame occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachment method (screws, nails, adhesives) is replaced with magnetic attachment. The magnetic portion uses magnetic force to attach the seal to the door or frame without penetrating or chemically bonding to the material, thereby preventing damage while maintaining secure attachment for effective sealing.
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 magnetically mountable seal effectively seals the gap between doors and frames, improving energy efficiency and reducing air leakage, while allowing the door to open and close without obstruction, and can be used as a thermal, acoustic, or hermetic barrier.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic portion adapted to contact and magnetically attach to one of the first and second surfaces; the first surface comprises a metallic material such that said magnetic portion magnetically secures to said first surface
Implementation Method 2
the sealing portion comprises a material which includes at least one of a thermal-insulating material, acoustic-dampening material, hermetic material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a magnetically mountable seal, and method of use thereof. The seal is capable of sealing a gap between a door, and either its frame or a second door. The magnetically mountable seal comprises a magnetic portion, magnetically attached to a surface; and a seal portion secured to the magnetic portion. The method of use comprises the steps of: (a) magnetically attaching the magnetic portion to one of the first door, its frame, and the second door; and (b) securing the sealing portion so that the sealing portion covers the gap when the first door is in a closed position and does not interfere with the functionality of the first door when the first door is in an open position. Improved energy efficiency around the gap reduces energy consumption. The sealing portion can be a thermal barrier, acoustic barrier, hermetic, odor barrier, contagion barrier, and fire barrier.