Building Panel Joint Sealing via Snap-Fit Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building assembly methods for constructing germ-free or pressure-controlled chambers are not easily manufacturable, assembleable, disassembleable, or reassembleable, and lack effective air-sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A building assembly system comprising a supporting member with channels and rails, elastically deformable gaskets, and sealing members made of resilient materials like polypropylene and thermoplastic vulcanizate, which engage through press-fitting and snap-fitting to create sealed pockets for construction panels, ensuring easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining air-tight seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional building assembly methods are used for constructing chambers, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly and disassembly processes become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The building assembly is divided into modular components including supporting members with integrated channels and rails, separate sealing members, and panel units. These segmented modules can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple snap-fit and press-fit connections, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly without complex fastening systems while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member integrates multiple functions into a single component: structural support, channel formation for sealing member reception, and rail formation for first sealing member engagement. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring proper alignment and connection
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used at joint connections, then air-sealing capability is insufficient, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing members are constructed from elastomeric materials that form flexible sealing surfaces. The elastically deformable gasket with U-shaped cross-section compresses against the channel walls to create an air-tight seal, while the ribbed second sealing member deforms to seal against the gasket flanges, ensuring reliable sealing without complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure employs nested sealing members where the first sealing members engage with rails on the supporting member, the elastically deformable gasket nests within the channel formed by the supporting member, and the second sealing member nests against the gasket. This nested arrangement creates multiple sealing interfaces that ensure air-tight connections while using simple, manufacturable components
3Adaptability or versatility
If chambers are designed for easy disassembly in emergency situations, then structural stability may be compromised, but rapid reconfiguration is enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from permanent fixed joints to dynamic, reversible connections. The snap-fit and press-fit mechanisms allow the sealing members to be easily inserted and removed from the supporting member, enabling rapid disassembly and reconfiguration of chamber layouts while maintaining structural stability during assembled operation through proper engagement of connection features
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 system allows for rapid and economical assembly and disassembly of chambers with enhanced air-sealing capabilities, suitable for emergency situations and maintaining controlled pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable gasket having a U- or V-shaped space in cross section
Implementation Method 2
the pair of the first sealing members are configured to engage with the supporting member via press-fitting the two retention tongues of each of the first sealing member into each of the rails of the supporting member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a building assembly for assembling building panels. The building assembly includes a supporting member, a pair of a first sealing member, an elastically deformable gasket, and a second sealing member. The supporting member has a base, a channel disposed at the center of the base, and a pair of rails independently disposed next to the channel. The pair of a first sealing members independently includes a first base portion and two retention tongues independently extending outwardly from the first base portion. The elastically deformable gasket has a U- or V-shaped space in cross section and two flanges independently extending laterally from one edge of the U- or V-shaped space. The second sealing member has a second base portion and a rib disposed at the center of the second base portion. Further, the pair of the first sealing members are configured to engage with the supporting member, the elastically deformable gasket is configured to be snap-fitted into the channel of the supporting member, the second sealing member is configured to engage with the elastically deformable gasket via press-fitting the rib into the U- or V-shaped space of the elastically deformable gasket; and the engagement of the pair of the first sealing members with the supporting member creates a pair of pockets independently for receiving a construction panel therein.