Sliding Sash Seal Device with Post-Assembly Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing bridges for center joint areas in sash assemblies suffer from positioning inaccuracies during installation, leading to reduced sealing performance and leaks, as they must be manually positioned and fixed before sliding leaves are inserted, making it impossible to correct incorrect positioning once installed.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device that can be positioned and locked after the sliding frame arrangement is assembled, utilizing locking and counter-locking means to ensure precise placement, with a drip grid for water drainage and optional additional sealing means, and positioning ribs for secure installation, allowing for improved tightness and leak prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional sealing bridges are manually positioned and fixed before sliding leaves are inserted, then installation can proceed, but positioning inaccuracies occur leading to reduced sealing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation processVSAvoidPositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is pre-assembled with integrated positioning ribs that feature locking and counter-locking means. This preliminary preparation allows the sealing device to self-position accurately when installed after the sliding frame arrangement is assembled, eliminating the need for manual positioning and achieving precise alignment without requiring pre-marking or measurement during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device incorporates self-positioning capabilities through its integrated locking and counter-locking means on the positioning ribs. When the sealing device is inserted into the gap between frame profiles, these mechanisms automatically engage to secure the correct position, allowing the device to self-align and self-lock without requiring manual intervention for precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional sealing bridges are fixed before sliding leaves are inserted, then the sealing structure is in place, but incorrect positioning cannot be corrected leading to leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing structure stabilityVSAvoidSealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is designed to be installed after the sliding frame arrangement is assembled, allowing the position of the center joint area to be determined first. The locking and counter-locking means enable the sealing device to be dynamically positioned and adjusted to the correct location, ensuring reliable sealing performance while maintaining structural stability through the engagement of positioning ribs with the frame profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the sealing device uses locking and counter-locking means for positioning, then precise placement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning accuracyVSAvoidSealing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means and counter-locking means are merged into an integrated design where the positioning ribs form an inherent part of the sealing device structure. The locking means are directly formed on the positioning ribs, combining multiple functions (positioning, locking, and alignment) into a single unified component rather than separate assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2599946B1Seal device for a middle section of a sash frame assembly and sash frame assembly with a seal device
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 ALCOA ALUMINIUM DEUTSCHLAND INC
  • EP2599946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2599946B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2599946B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The device (10) has a sliding seal for sealing a middle impact region (104) in a closed position of sliding wings (115, 125) that are inserted in a sash frame assembly. The device is inserted in an intermediate space between an outer frame profile and an inner frame profile. A latch unit is brought into an engagement with a counter-locking unit of the sash frame assembly such that a position of the device is fixed. A sealing channel seals a weather region (131) against an interior region (132) of the intermediate space. An independent claim is also included for a sash frame assembly.