Sill Notch Conceals Pan Edge and Blocks Moisture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshold assemblies do not effectively conceal the unsightly edges and flanges of sill pans, leading to moisture infiltration and aesthetic issues at doorways and windows.
Innovation Solution
A sill pan concealment system that includes a sill with a notch to align and conceal the interior edge of the sill pan, ensuring the edge is hidden from view, using a sill that rests on the sill pan and is fastened to it, with the notch designed to receive the pan's interior edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional threshold assembly with a sill pan and overlaying sill is used, then the threshold provides a decorative barrier and seals against moisture, but the interior edge of the sill pan remains visible and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The sill is designed with a notch that receives and conceals the interior edge of the sill pan, creating a nested configuration where the sill pan edge is hidden within the sill structure. This nesting approach conceals the unsightly edge without requiring additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sill is segmented with a notched portion that specifically targets the visible edge area. This segmentation allows the sill to have different functional zones: a covering portion that hides the sill pan edge and a remainder portion that maintains structural integrity and provides the decorative barrier function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sill pan edge is left exposed for structural simplicity, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but moisture can infiltrate through cracks between the jamb and threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The sill is pre-formed with a notched portion during manufacturing, which is then positioned to receive the sill pan edge during installation. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and creates an integrated moisture barrier without requiring complex field modifications or additional sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering portion of the sill is merged with the sill pan edge through the notched configuration, creating an integrated assembly where the sill both conceals the edge and provides moisture protection. This merging eliminates gaps between components that could allow water infiltration.
3Shape
If a sill with a notched portion is used to conceal the sill pan edge, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the sill structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sill is divided into a covering portion with the notched configuration and a remainder portion. This segmentation allows the complex notched feature to be localized only where needed for concealment, while the rest of the sill maintains a simple, straightforward structure that is easy to manufacture and install.
Data Source
AI summary
A sill pan concealment system and method for concealing a sill pan wall that lies across a threshold. The system comprises a sill pan that rests flush across the threshold, and a sill that is disposed parallel and in alignment with the sill pan. The sill fits into the sill pan to create a protruding barrier across the threshold. The sill pan has an interior wall oriented towards the interior region; and an exterior wall oriented towards the exterior region. The sill has a sill interior end that orients towards the sill an interior wall. The sill interior end forms an elongated notch through a cross section of the sill. The notch is sized and dimensioned to align with, and receive the interior wall of the sill pan. In this manner, the interior wall of the sill pan is concealed in the notch, from the perspective of interior region.