Sliding Window Upper-Rail Foam Seal for Thermal and Wind Tightness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding doors and windows suffer from complex and costly installation processes due to rigid thermal insulation systems, poor thermal and wind insulation performance, and limited lifespan, with solutions like foam elements failing to provide reliable long-term insulation.

Innovation Solution

A sliding opening system featuring a deformable foam-based sealing gasket with a low-friction film covering, integrated into the upper rail, allowing seamless installation and continuous insulation across at least 80% of the top rail, reducing the need for intermediate pieces and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid PVC profiles are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is provided, but installation becomes complex and time-consuming requiring removal and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the insulation material from rigid (PVC profiles) to deformable (foam gasket), allowing it to adapt to installation conditions without requiring removal and repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The foam gasket transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deformable structure that can compress and expand during installation and operation, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If rigid PVC profiles are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is provided, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the insulation material from rigid (PVC profiles) to deformable (foam gasket), allowing it to adapt to installation conditions without requiring removal and repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the intermediate connecting piece from the insulation system, simplifying the overall structure and reducing installation complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If rigid PVC profiles are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is provided, but thermal and wind insulation performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidthermal and wind infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the insulation material from rigid (PVC profiles) to deformable (foam gasket), allowing it to adapt to installation conditions without requiring removal and repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining foam gasket with a film layer, where the foam provides thermal insulation and the film provides low-friction contact with the sash, achieving both thermal and wind insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If PVC profiles are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is provided, but lifespan is limited due to friction from sash rubbing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidinsulation system lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface properties by adding a film layer with low coefficient of friction, reducing wear from sash contact and extending the lifespan of the insulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining foam gasket with a film layer, where the foam provides thermal insulation and the film provides low-friction contact with the sash, achieving both thermal and wind insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Device complexity

If foam elements are used for thermal insulation, then installation is simplified, but lifespan and performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinsulation performance and lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining foam gasket with a film layer, where the foam provides thermal insulation and the film provides low-friction contact with the sash, achieving both thermal and wind insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface properties by adding a film layer with low coefficient of friction, reducing wear from sash contact and extending the lifespan of the insulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides enhanced thermal, air, and wind tightness with a longer lifespan, easier installation, and reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining consistent sealing performance despite manufacturing tolerances and aging.

Implementation Method 1

a body of deformable foam, preferably with shape memory

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a body of deformable foam, preferably with shape memory

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 3

the film having a coefficient of friction lower than that of the foam of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

an insulation device fixed on the upper rail... having an upper face, extending over at least 80% of the length of the upper rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 5

The sealing gasket is configured so that the upper profile of at least one leaf is, over at least 80% of the length of at least one leaf, in contact with the lower face of the sealing gasket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4030029B1Sliding window comprising a thermal insulation device in the upper crosspiece, associated manufacturing and mounting methods
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SEPALUMIC
  • EP4030029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4030029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding door comprising a fixed frame, the frame including a top rail (101), and at least one sash (11) mounted to slide within the frame. The at least one sash (11) includes an insulation device (12) fixed to the top rail (101) and including a sealing gasket (120), mounted on the top rail (101) and extending over at least 80% of its length. The sealing gasket (120) includes a foam body (1202) and an anti-friction film (1203), the film (1203) forming a lower face (1200) for the sealing gasket (120). The insulation device (12) is configured such that the top profile (111) is, over at least 80% of its length, in contact with the lower face (1200) of the sealing gasket (120). The opening thus offers optimal insulation performance.