Segmented Air Seal Assembly for Building Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building construction methods fail to effectively control the passage of air from unheated areas into heated areas, leading to energy inefficiency and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An air seal assembly comprising a plurality of segments forming a cavity with a gasket material applied to an exterior surface, designed to engage construction material edges and substantially seal gaps between framing members and construction materials, preventing air movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional building construction methods are used without specialized air sealing components, then the building structure is simpler and easier to construct, but air leakage occurs between framing members and construction materials leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air seal assembly is divided into multiple segments that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each segment addresses specific gaps between framing members and construction materials, allowing targeted air sealing without complicating the overall building structure. The segmented design enables independent installation of each air sealing component at relevant locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air seal assembly acts as an intermediary component between framing members and construction materials. This intermediate element fills and seals the gaps that naturally occur during building construction, preventing air leakage without requiring changes to the fundamental building structure or materials.
2Productivity
If gaps between framing members and construction materials are left unsealed, then the construction process is faster and simpler, but air flow from unheated to heated areas causes energy loss and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The air seal assembly is designed to be installed during the construction process at the preliminary stage when framing members and construction materials are in place. By addressing air sealing early in construction rather than as a retrofit, the system prevents air leakage without requiring additional construction steps or delaying the building process.
3Loss of energy
If air sealing structures are added to control air passage, then energy efficiency improves, but the building construction becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The air seal assembly incorporates flexible gasket materials that can conform to irregular gaps between framing members and construction materials. These flexible components are designed to be easily compressed and secured, allowing installation without complex tools or techniques while effectively sealing air passages.
Data Source
AI summary
An air seal assembly is provided. The air seal assembly includes a plurality of segments configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to engage an edge of a construction material. A gasket material is applied to an exterior surface of one of the segments. In an installed position, the air seal assembly is configured to substantially seal gaps formed between the construction material and other materials forming a wall.