Sealing Strip for Window Wall Interface Aerodynamic Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for installing and maintaining windows in railway vehicles face issues such as aerodynamic and acoustic disturbances, corrosion, infiltration, and aesthetic concerns due to discontinuities between the window frame and wall frame, along with time-consuming and hazardous manual application of sealants during installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A sealing strip is applied peripherally between the wall and window frames, which is adhesive, quick to apply, and does not require drying time, and features a concave peripheral portion for guided cutting, reducing wind resistance and improving aesthetics by covering fasteners and film coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealant is applied manually at the interface between window frame and wall frame, then the discontinuity is sealed to prevent corrosion and infiltration, but the installation time increases significantly and the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against corrosion and infiltrationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the manual application process and integrated into a pre-fabricated wall frame assembly that includes the sealant already applied in the manufacturing stage, transforming a time-consuming on-site operation into a pre-prepared component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealant is applied in advance during wall frame manufacturing rather than during window installation, allowing the sealant to cure properly before installation and eliminating drying time from the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If sealant is applied manually at the interface between window frame and wall frame, then the discontinuity is sealed, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to limited putty tones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sealant is replaced with a sealing strip made of materials that can be produced in various colors and finishes to match different aesthetic requirements, changing the visual parameter while maintaining the sealing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing strip is designed to visually blend with the surrounding surfaces, copying the appearance of the wall and window frame materials to create a seamless aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Strength

If bordurage is applied to enhance the strength of the coating on the wall, then the coating strength is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bordurage function is merged with the sealing strip, which simultaneously provides both the aesthetic border function and the protective sealing function, eliminating the need for separate bordurage application steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing strip is made of composite materials that combine the protective functions of bordurage (coating reinforcement) with the sealing function, integrating multiple protective functions into a single component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If the sealing strip has greater thickness to ensure durability, then the resistance to tearing is improved, but the aerodynamic disturbance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to tearingVSAvoidaerodynamic disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing strip uses flexible film materials that provide sufficient durability and tear resistance while maintaining a thin profile that minimizes aerodynamic disturbance during vehicle operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing strip employs composite materials with high strength-to-thickness ratio, combining materials that provide exceptional tear resistance in a thin configuration that does not significantly increase aerodynamic drag

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution ensures aerodynamic and acoustic continuity, reduces installation time, minimizes the risk of damage and injury, and enhances the aesthetic appearance by providing a seamless interface and efficient maintenance process.

Implementation Method 1

the strip of sealing is adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3392441B1Assembly of a window and a wall, method for installing a window in a wall
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 SNCF VOYAGEURS
  • EP3392441B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3392441B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3392441B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

An assembly of a window (2) and a wall (1) having an opening in which the window (2) is mounted, the wall (1) having a wall frame (11) mounted at the periphery of the opening, the window (2) having a glazing portion (20) and a window frame (21) surrounding the glazing portion (20) peripherally, the wall frame (11) and the window frame (21) are joined together, the assembly having a sealing strip (5) extending peripherally at the interface between the wall frame (11) and the window frame (21) so as to ensure the continuity of the surfaces between the wall (1) and the window (2).