Ring-shaped joint cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional silicone seams for sanitary joints are time-consuming, costly, and lack durability, requiring skilled labor and complex installation, with limited reusability and susceptibility to cracking.

Innovation Solution

A ring-shaped joint tape made of elastic material with asymmetrically tapering flanks, designed for easy installation and removal without tools, providing a durable and visually appealing seal for sanitary joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional silicone seams are used to seal joints, then sealing function is achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable joint cover made of flexible material that is pre-formed and ready-to-use. Instead of applying and curing silicone, the joint cover is simply inserted into the joint space and trimmed to size. This disposable approach eliminates the time-consuming silicone application and drying process while providing reliable sealing during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint cover is made from a flexible material that can be easily inserted and conform to the joint geometry. This flexible shell approach allows for quick installation without requiring skilled labor to apply and smooth silicone, directly reducing installation time while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional silicone seams are used, then joint sealing is achieved, but labor skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint sealingVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-formed joint cover eliminates the need for skilled workers to apply and finish silicone seams. The simple insert-and-trim operation can be performed by anyone, reducing labor skill requirements while achieving reliable joint sealing through the flexible cover's conformability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible joint cover design allows for easy installation without requiring specialized skills. The material's flexibility enables it to be inserted and conform to various joint geometries, making the installation process simple and accessible to unskilled workers while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If silicone seams are applied, then joint coverage is achieved, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint coverageVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The joint cover is provided in standard sizes that can be trimmed to fit specific joints. Unlike silicone where excess material is discarded, the joint cover can be precisely cut to length, minimizing waste. The flexible material allows for accurate trimming while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If conventional silicone seams are used, then initial sealing is achieved, but durability decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial sealingVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible joint cover maintains its elasticity and sealing capability over time, unlike silicone that cracks and deteriorates. The material's flexibility allows it to accommodate building movements and thermal expansion without cracking, significantly extending the service life of the joint sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ring-shaped joint tape offers a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and reusable solution that enhances joint durability and appearance, simplifying maintenance and reducing material waste.

Implementation Method 1

the joint tape comprises elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12460723B2Ring-shaped joint cover
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 GEFFERS PATENT GMBH
  • US12460723B2 patent drawing
  • US12460723B2 patent drawing
  • US12460723B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a ring-shaped joint tape for use in sanitary applications. The joint tape is designed to cover joints passing around sanitary objects.