Mullion Transom Lug Seal Continuity via Nested Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mullion and transom constructions often experience interruptions in the lug seal course due to support elements, preventing a continuous seal and efficient drainage over the entire length of the support profile.

Innovation Solution

A mullion and transom construction featuring a retaining profile made of hard plastic with a receiving profile for form-fitting retention of the lug seal, allowing the lug seal to be guided over support elements, and a clip connection for easy assembly, along with drainage or ventilation openings in the outer seal for effective drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support elements are provided on the support profile to support filling elements, then the filling elements can be properly supported and positioned, but the lug seal course is interrupted and continuous sealing cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing continuityVSAvoidsupport element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lug seal is integrated into the support element structure by providing a receiving profile on the support element that corresponds to the retaining profile. This nesting allows the seal to pass through and be retained by the support element, maintaining seal continuity while supporting the filling element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile is divided into separate support elements that can be independently positioned and assembled. Each support element includes its own receiving profile for the lug seal, allowing modular assembly while maintaining continuous sealing throughout the entire support profile length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lug seal is made continuous over support elements, then sealing is improved, but the support elements must be modified with receiving profiles increasing manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing continuityVSAvoidsupport element fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining profile and receiving profile are combined into an integrated retention system. The retaining profile on the support profile and the receiving profile on the support element work together as a unified mechanism to secure the lug seal, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring continuous sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support element serves multiple functions: it supports the filling element, provides a receiving profile for the lug seal to maintain sealing continuity, and can be independently manufactured and assembled. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If drainage openings are provided in the outer seal or pressure profile, then the rebate space can be effectively drained, but the sealing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture accumulationVSAvoidsealing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Drainage functionality is extracted from the main sealing structure by providing separate drainage or ventilation openings in the outer seal or pressure profile. This allows effective drainage of the rebate space while keeping the primary sealing structure simple and intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage openings act as intermediary elements that connect the rebate space to the outside environment, allowing moisture and condensation to be efficiently removed without compromising the integrity of the main sealing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2578761B1Conncetion of a structure through mullions or transoms
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP2578761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The post and beam construction assembly has supporting structure (1), and pressure elements (5) that are fixed on the filling elements (4) through inner and outer seals (6,7). The supporting structure includes support element (2) to support the filling element. A flag seal (3) has seal area (27) provided between the outer seal and the filling element at supporting structure. The flag seal is arranged over the support element.