Stiffened Expandable Sealing Tape for Faster Window Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing tapes for windows and doors in building reveals face challenges such as time-consuming installation due to partial retraction during insertion and the need for improved fire protection, especially with larger elements, and existing fire protection tapes do not effectively seal gaps without causing moisture retention issues.
Innovation Solution
A sealing tape with a base body made of expandable foam, surrounded by a detachable retaining means that prevents vertical expansion until activated by heat, allowing for faster installation and effective fire protection by expanding to seal gaps during a fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam sealants with delayed expansion are used and attached to window frames before installation, then the sealing strip begins to expand, but the installation process becomes time-consuming due to partial retraction during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tape is pre-compressed and pre-formed in the factory with the retaining means in place, so that no expansion has occurred during transport. The preliminary compression ensures the tape is ready for immediate installation without prior expansion, eliminating the time loss from partial retraction during on-site installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing tape is divided into a base body (foam sealant) and a retaining means (compressible element). This segmentation allows the foam to be compressed and held in a compact form during transport, then rapidly expanded only when needed during installation, separating the storage function from the sealing function.
2Ease of operation
If the sealing tape is made more rigid to prevent partial retraction during insertion, then installation becomes smoother, but the tape loses its ability to adapt to reveal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tape transitions from a compressed, rigid state during transport and installation to an expanded, flexible state once the retaining means is removed. This dynamic transformation allows the tape to be easily installed without bending or deformation, then adapt to reveal variations through expansion after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is strategically positioned to provide localized compression and support during installation, preventing partial retraction at critical areas. This localized support ensures smooth installation while allowing other areas of the tape to remain flexible and adaptable to reveal variations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a retaining means is added to prevent expansion during transport, then the sealing tape maintains its compressed state, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is integrated with the base body foam sealant as a unified structure, where the compressible element is formed within or attached to the foam. This merging simplifies the overall structure compared to separate components, while still effectively maintaining the compressed state during transport and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is designed as a disposable component that is removed after serving its temporary purpose of maintaining compression during transport. This approach avoids the need for complex, reusable mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the desired compression maintenance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing tape is designed for fire protection by expanding when exposed to heat, then fire spread is prevented, but the tape may cause moisture retention issues if not properly designed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tape utilizes thermal expansion as a parameter change mechanism, where the foam base body expands in response to heat exposure. This expansion closes gaps and prevents fire spread. The controlled expansion characteristics and material selection ensure that the tape provides fire protection without causing excessive moisture retention, as the expansion occurs primarily in response to thermal conditions rather than trapping moisture in a compressed state.
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 sealing tape enables quick and efficient installation by minimizing on-site steps and provides enhanced fire protection by expanding to seal gaps, preventing fire spread while maintaining ventilation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a base body (2) made of an expandable foam which extends in a longitudinal direction (L), in a lateral direction (B) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in a vertical direction (H) perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions, wherein the foam is expandable at least in this vertical direction (H)
Implementation Method 2
the retaining means is suitable and intended to prevent an expansion of the base body in the vertical direction, wherein the retaining means can be released by the application of heat in such a way that an expansion of the base body in the vertical direction is enabled
Implementation Method 3
A sealing tape (1) according to the invention, in particular for sealing windows or doors against a building structure and in particular a reveal of a building structure, has a base body (2) made of an expandable foam... Furthermore, a (in particular ribbon-like and/or film-like) retaining means (4) is provided which surrounds the base body (2) at least section by section... which also extends in the longitudinal and lateral directions and which runs parallel to the base body (2)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Sealing tape (1) particularly for sealing windows or doors against a reveal, comprising a base body (2) made of an expandable foam extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and in a lateral direction (B) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and in a vertical direction (H) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and the lateral direction (B), wherein the foam is expandable at least in this vertical direction (H), comprising a retaining means (4) which surrounds the base body at least section by section and which is suitable and intended to prevent expansion of the base body (2) in the vertical direction (H), wherein the retaining means (4) extends at least in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction (H) and wherein the retaining means is at least section by section releasable to allow expansion of the base body (2), characterized in that the sealing tape comprises a stiffening means (6),which also extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (B) and which runs parallel to the base body.