Overhead Door Sealing System with Angled Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overhead doors in commercial and residential buildings face challenges in sealing due to the movement-induced friction between the door and seals, making it difficult to achieve a proper seal around the door.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion with specific angular configurations and pressure-sensitive adhesive, designed to compress and seal spaces between the overhead door and the jamb, utilizing compressible foam materials and optional inserts or backing plates for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is installed around the overhead door opening, then the sealing performance is improved, but the movement of the overhead door is inhibited due to friction between the door and the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two separate sealing portions: a first sealing portion that seals the opening and a second sealing portion that seals against the door. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, with the second portion designed to minimize friction during door movement while the first portion provides the primary seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing portion that contacts the moving door is made from a compressible foam material with specific properties optimized for low-friction movement, while the first sealing portion can be made from different materials optimized for static sealing. This local quality differentiation allows the sealing system to simultaneously achieve good sealing performance and smooth door operation.
2Ease of operation
If the overhead door is directly connected to the opening like a conventional swing door, then the sealing is simplified, but the overhead door cannot move properly due to the lack of clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system acts as an intermediary element between the door and the opening. The first sealing portion seals the opening while the second sealing portion contacts the door, creating a flexible sealing interface that accommodates door movement. This intermediary sealing system allows the door to move freely while maintaining the seal, solving the contradiction between movement and sealing.
3Reliability
If a conventional seal is used that contacts the overhead door during movement, then sealing is achieved, but friction increases making door operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second sealing portion is made from compressible foam material with specific physical parameters (density, hardness, compressibility) that are optimized to reduce friction during door movement. The foam's ability to compress and recover allows it to maintain contact with the door while minimizing frictional resistance, enabling smooth door operation despite the presence of a seal.
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 sealing system effectively reduces air flow and improves energy efficiency by eliminating clearance between the door and the jamb, enhancing the sealing performance and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing system may further include a pressure sensitive adhesive on the first leg of the second sealing portion
Implementation Method 2
the second sealing portion is configured to compress and seal spaces between the overhead door and the jamb
Implementation Method 3
the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are made from a compressible foam material
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system for a storage enclosure is disclosed. The sealing system includes a sealing member having a first sealing portion, and a second sealing portion that extends from the first sealing portion. The second sealing portion including a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends from the first sealing portion at a first angle, and the second leg extends from the first sealing portion at a second angle. The second angle is larger than the first angle.