Tapered Guide Tool for Sealing Strip Carrier Layer Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing tapes are inefficient for attaching to window frame profiles with longitudinal profile strips that project outwards, as they require manual insertion and destruction of a rigid layer for foam expansion, making the process time-consuming and limited to flat frames.

Innovation Solution

A tool with tapered guide channels and inclined wall sections to automatically bend and insert a carrier layer of sealing tape into grooves of profile frames, along with adjustable holding means for secure attachment, allowing for quick and easy installation on various frame types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid layer is used to hold the foam strip in a compressed state, then the sealing tape can be fixed between angled ends of profile strips, but the foam protrudes inwards and the rigid layer must be destroyed for foam expansion, making insertion time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to attach to frames with angled profile stripsVSAvoidinsertion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier layer is pre-formed with lateral edge sections that can be automatically bent downwards through the tapered guide channel, preparing the insertion configuration before the actual insertion process begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual bending and destruction of rigid layers during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of inserting and destroying rigid layers is replaced by a tool-based mechanical system with tapered guide channels that automatically bend and insert the carrier layer edges. This substitution transforms a labor-intensive manual operation into an efficient tool-driven process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If sealing tapes are glued to flat frames, then the application process is simple, but they cannot be attached to window frame profiles with longitudinal profile strips that project outwards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of application processVSAvoidapplicability to frames with projecting profile strips
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing tape design with the carrier layer and the insertion tool create a universal solution that can accommodate both flat frames and frames with projecting profile strips. The carrier layer's ability to be bent and inserted into grooves allows the same sealing tape system to function across multiple frame configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier layer acts as an intermediary element between the foam strip and the frame profile. It provides a rigid structure that can be mechanically inserted into grooves of complex frame profiles, while still allowing the foam strip to function as the sealing element, thus mediating between the sealing requirement and the complex frame geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual insertion of sealing tape is used, then no special tool is required, but the process takes a very long time and cannot efficiently equip large numbers of profile frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of installation equipmentVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is designed to be self-contained with integrated tapered guide channels and holding means, requiring no additional equipment or complex setup. The tool performs all necessary functions (guiding, bending, and holding) in a single integrated unit, making it easy to use while dramatically improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool incorporates movable holding means that can be displaced along the grooves of the profile frame, allowing the tool to adapt dynamically to different frame positions and lengths. This dynamic capability enables continuous insertion along the entire length of the profile frame, significantly increasing installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Significantly reduces the time and effort required to equip profile frames with sealing tape, enabling efficient attachment to frames with angled profile strips and ensuring a durable connection.

Implementation Method 1

Each guide element preferably has a wall section which is inclined at an angle relative to the guide direction and is designed in such a way that it exerts a downward force component in the direction of the exit point on an edge section of the carrier layer guided through it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the foam strip is elastically recoverable and thus seals the frame profile to the building wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic Recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2463060B1Tool and method for inserting a carrier layer of a sealing strip in the grooves of a profile frame
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 ISO CHEM GMBH
  • EP2463060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2463060B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2463060B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The tool (30) has two lateral guide elements (32) connected with each other and defining between guide passages for a carrier layer (10) of a sealing strip (1). The guide elements run from a highly located entry point to a lowly located exit point in guide direction (F) of the tool. The passages are tapered in the guide direction. Each guide element comprises a wall section that is inclined at angle opposite to the guide direction such that the wall section downwardly exerts force component in the direction of the exit point through an edge portion (22) of the carrier layer. An independent claim is also included for a method for inserting a carrier layer of a sealing strip in grooves of a profile frame.