Sliding Window Water-Sealing Device Free Stile Junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watertightness devices for sliding windows and patio doors, particularly at the junction between the free upright and fixed frame, fail to provide adequate sealing against water infiltration, especially under severe weather conditions, and existing solutions like brushes offer limited durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a movable part with integral watertightness means that translates along a first axis, cooperating with a bearing surface at the junction zone to achieve a seal normal to the free upright, using a sealing plug and optional wedges to enhance sealing performance without interfering with the sliding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brushes are used as water-sealing devices, then the sliding action is not impeded, but the watertightness performance is insufficient (around 300 Pa) and water can pass through by capillary action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from brush bristles to a continuous flexible membrane made of elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer. This material parameter change eliminates the capillary action pathways present in brushes, achieving watertightness performance of 600 Pa or more while maintaining flexibility for sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining the flexible membrane with the window frame system. The membrane is integrated into the sliding sash or fixed frame, creating a composite sealing system that combines the flexibility of polymers with the structural support of the frame, achieving both high watertightness and sliding functionality.
2Reliability
If rigid materials like metal or polyamide are used for water sealing, then watertightness is improved, but the sliding action is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid (metal, polyamide) to flexible (elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer). This flexibility parameter enables the sealing material to deform and accommodate the sliding motion while maintaining continuous contact with the bearing surface, ensuring both watertightness and ease of sliding operation.
3Ease of operation
If overly flexible materials like rubber are used for water sealing, then sliding action is facilitated, but the material is subject to tearing from repeated friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from overly flexible rubber to flexible but durable elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers. These materials have optimized mechanical properties with higher tensile strength and tear resistance while maintaining the necessary flexibility for sliding motion, preventing material failure from repeated friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material solutions where the flexible membrane is integrated with reinforcing structures or used in combination with other sealing elements, creating a composite system that distributes mechanical stresses and prevents tearing while maintaining sliding functionality.
4Reliability
If a sealing device is added to improve watertightness, then water infiltration is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water-sealing function with the existing window frame structure. The flexible membrane is integrated into either the sliding sash or fixed frame, combining the sealing element with the structural components rather than adding a separate complex device, thus achieving high watertightness with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
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 provides improved watertightness performance exceeding 600 Pa, maintaining sealing integrity without hindering the sliding motion and avoiding material damage, thus addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the materials used inevitably allow water to pass through by capillary action
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding window (100) comprising a sliding opening frame (110) and a stationary frame (120), said opening frame (110) comprising a free stile (111). In addition, the sliding window (100) includes a water-sealing device (200) comprising a main body arranged inside the free stile (111), said main body comprising: a movable part (210) which can move along a first axis of translation along the free stile (111), said movable part (210) comprising a securing end (211); driving means configured to move the movable part (210) in translation, and suitable for cooperating with means for opening and closing the sliding window (100); and water-sealing means securely mounted to move in translation with the securing end (211) of the movable part (210) and configured such that, when the movable part (210) is in the locked position, the water-sealing means engage transversely with a bearing surface (121) of the stationary frame in a junction zone (122) in which the stationary frame (120) meets the free stile (111), such as to provide normal sealing at the free stile (111) parallel to the bearing surface (121).