U-Shaped Rafter Sealing Device with Lateral Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing technologies between rafters and beams in residential structure roofs face challenges in ensuring airtightness and watertightness, particularly due to difficulties in cutting and positioning seals accurately, especially when rafters are not perpendicular to the top plate beam, leading to inconsistent and time-vulnerable sealing.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped sealing device with lateral outward projections is designed to fit between the rafter and beam, featuring preformed sleeves for receiving cut ends of the seal, allowing angular movement and ensuring sealing continuity regardless of rafter orientation, made from thermoplastic elastomer materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is cut at the level of the rafter as close as possible to its vertical parts, then the lips can bear against the underside of the panel, but the sealing operation becomes difficult and its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is pre-assembled with the rafter profile integrated into its structure before installation. The U-shaped body is molded to match the rafter profile, and the filler element is pre-positioned within the body, eliminating the need for on-site cutting and positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler element acts as an intermediary component that fills the space between the U-shaped body and the rafter. This filler element ensures consistent contact and sealing pressure without requiring precise cutting of the sealing lips, mediating between the seal structure and the rafter surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rafters do not form a right angle with the top plate beam, then the structure can accommodate various orientations, but the sealing operation becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is designed with the rafter profile integrated into the U-shaped body structure, allowing it to adapt to different rafter orientations and angles. The flexible material and preformed shape enable the device to conform to various geometric configurations without requiring precise cutting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped body is pre-formed to match the rafter profile, and the filler element is pre-positioned within the body. This preliminary configuration allows the sealing device to accommodate different rafter orientations upon installation without requiring on-site cutting or precision positioning operations.
3Reliability
If the seal is retained on the top edge of the top plate extending over its entire length, then airtightness and watertightness are achieved, but the rafter crushing the seal and preventing lip contact with the panel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is segmented into two main components: the U-shaped body that interfaces with the rafter and the separate filler element that fills the interspace. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the U-shaped body provides the sealing surface while the filler element maintains pressure and prevents rafter crushing of the seal lips.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler element serves as an intermediary between the U-shaped body and the rafter, filling the interspace and distributing the rafter load. This mediator prevents the rafter from directly crushing the seal lips while maintaining the sealing function, ensuring both airtightness and structural integrity.
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 facilitates precise and adaptable sealing, eliminating the need for precise cutting and positioning, ensuring effective airtightness and watertightness in both perpendicular and non-perpendicular configurations, enhancing the durability and reliability of the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
said sealing part is made by molding a vulcanized or non-vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer material of the TPE or TPV type
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a filling element i.e. joint (300), for filling an inter-rafter space between a lower face of a roof panel and an upper edge (210) of a beam i.e. wall plate (200). A flexible sealing part (400) has a U-shaped body matching a profile of lower part (110) of rafter (100) for being arranged between the rafter and the wall plate. The part has vertical branches equipped with lateral projections projecting toward exterior on two sides of the rafter to engage or receive ends of the element. The part is formed by molding a vulcanized/non-vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer material.