Polymeric Door Frame Mitred Joint Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for manufacturing doors with polymeric profiles is hindered by the visibility of the inner space in the finished door and leakage of insulating liquid PU material due to the hollow nature of polymeric profiles, which is not compatible with the traditional assembly method used for wooden profiles.

Innovation Solution

The use of hollow polymeric profiles with mitred ends and a connection piece featuring a toothed part that fits into the adjacent profile, along with a groove and slot system, ensures the inner cavity is sealed, allowing for the injection and curing of liquid foam insulation without leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If hollow polymeric profiles are used to reduce weight and maintain structural rigidity, then weight is reduced and structural rigidity is maintained, but the inner space becomes visible in the finished door and liquid PU insulation material leaks through the open profile interior

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by inserting a connection piece with a toothed part into the hollow polymeric profile. The toothed part nests within the profile's inner space, creating a sealed compartment that prevents liquid PU insulation material from leaking through while maintaining the hollow profile's weight and structural advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection piece acts as an intermediary element between the hollow polymeric profile and the frame assembly. It mediates the contradiction by providing internal sealing structures (toothed parts) that prevent leakage while allowing the hollow profile to maintain its weight-reducing benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If hollow polymeric profiles are used instead of wooden profiles, then moisture resistance is improved and production costs are reduced, but the traditional assembly method fails due to leakage and visibility of inner space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidassembly compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection function by introducing a separate connection piece with toothed parts that can be inserted into the hollow polymeric profile. This segmentation allows the polymeric profile to maintain its moisture-resistant properties while the connection piece provides the necessary sealing and structural integration with the frame assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the polymeric profile material with the connection piece material (which may be different). This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties - the polymeric profile provides moisture resistance and the connection piece provides sealing and structural compatibility with traditional assembly methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the inner cavity is filled with liquid PU insulation material, then insulation performance is improved, but the material leaks through the open inner space of hollow polymeric profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation effectivenessVSAvoidinsulation material loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The toothed part of the connection piece is nested within the hollow polymeric profile, creating an internal sealing structure. This nested configuration prevents liquid PU insulation material from escaping through the profile's inner space while allowing the insulation material to effectively fill the door's internal cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful open inner space of the hollow profile into a beneficial sealed compartment. The toothed part, which initially occupies internal space, is transformed into a sealing element that prevents insulation material loss while maintaining the profile's structural advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This solution enables the successful assembly and insulation of doors with polymeric profiles, enhancing moisture resistance and extending the door's lifespan while maintaining structural rigidity and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a connection piece (8) is provided between two adjacent profiles (2a, 2b) of the frame and comprises a body (20) having a cross section matching the inner space of a first profile (2a) and inserted therein, the body (20) having a mitred end surface (21) from which at least one toothed part (23) protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body (20), the toothed part (23) fitting in the inner space of an adjacent second profile (2b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Subsequently a hole is made in one of the profiles and a liquid PU-foam is inserted in the internal cavity to fill that cavity with a insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam expansion and curing: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP3283717B1Door element or wall element
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 DECEUNINCK NV
  • EP3283717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3283717B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3283717B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A door or wall element comprising: • a frame comprising four elongated hollow profiles; • two side panels provided at opposed sides of the frame and attached to said frame; • at least two of the profiles positioned at opposed sides of the frame, provided with a groove situated at the sides of the concerned profiles defining the outer circumferential surface of the frame; • each of the side panels provided at opposed edges with a upstanding rim fitting into the concerned slot or groove of the frame; • comprising a connection piece provided between two adjacent profiles of the frame characterized in that the profiles are mitred and wherein the connection piece comprises a body having a cross section matching the inner space of a first profile and inserted therein, the body having a mitred end surface from which at least one toothed part protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body, the toothed part fitting in the inner space of an adjacent second profile.