Multi-Zone Plinth Seal for Window Reveal Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dimensional deviations during construction of building walls and window openings lead to unpredictable gaps between window frames and reveals, compromising the effectiveness of existing window seals, particularly at the connection between the window and the building, which can result in moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A base seal design comprising multiple sealing zones, including a first sealing zone created by horizontally and vertically extending seals, and a second sealing zone with an external seal covering a large area of the floor or reveal surface, often exceeding 50% contact, and optionally a third internal sealing zone, using materials like pasty sealants or rubber-elastic materials to ensure effective moisture barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single seal is used at the window reveal, then the sealing structure is simple, but it cannot effectively seal against unpredictable gaps caused by dimensional deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing zones: a first sealing zone with horizontal and upright seals close to the reveal, and a second sealing zone with an outer seal on the outer surfaces. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific gap locations, improving overall sealing reliability against dimensional deviations while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach transitions from a single-plane seal to a multi-dimensional sealing system. The first sealing zone operates close to the reveal surface, while the second sealing zone extends to the outer surfaces of the floor and reveal. This dimensional expansion creates redundant sealing paths that effectively bridge unpredictable gaps without requiring excessive structural complexity
2Reliability
If multiple seals are added to bridge gaps, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the sealing system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing functions into two coordinated zones rather than adding numerous separate seals. The first sealing zone combines horizontal and upright seals working together near the reveal, while the second sealing zone uses an outer seal that integrates with the floor and reveal surfaces. This merging approach achieves effective moisture sealing without proportionally increasing component count or system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing zones are positioned at specific locations to address local sealing needs. The first sealing zone concentrates sealing action close to the reveal where gaps most commonly occur, while the second sealing zone positions outer seals on outer surfaces to catch moisture at a distance. This localized quality distribution optimizes sealing effectiveness without requiring comprehensive sealing throughout the entire structure
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
In a base seal with a floor surface, a reveal surface, and a wall surface, which comprise an inner side, and with a horizontal seal on the wall surface and an upright seal near the reveal surface, it is proposed that the two seals create a first sealing zone, and that a substantially planar outer seal is arranged on the outside of the floor surface and/or the reveal surface, creating a second sealing zone. Furthermore, a window arrangement with the proposed base seal is proposed.