Telescoping Wall Gap Filler for Moving Window Mullions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern commercial buildings with exterior glass windows and metallic frames face challenges in filling gaps between partition walls and window mullions, requiring a gap filler that is resilient, aesthetically pleasing, and effective in blocking noise transmission while accommodating frame motion due to wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A gap filler assembly with frame members defining a variable volume cavity, containing compression springs or expanding foam to maintain sealing, combined with sound-insulating materials, ensuring the assembly fits various gap sizes and secures within the gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid gap filler is used to block sound transmission, then sound insulation is improved, but the ability to accommodate frame motion due to wind forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler assembly uses a resilient member (elastic element) that can deform and flex to accommodate the motion of the window frame relative to the partition wall while maintaining continuous contact to block sound transmission. This flexible element allows the system to adapt to frame movement without compromising sound insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap filler assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a resilient member for flexibility and motion accommodation, and a sound-absorbing material for acoustic insulation. This composite structure simultaneously achieves both sound blocking and adaptability to frame motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient gap filler is used to accommodate frame motion, then adaptability is improved, but sound blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a resilient member for flexibility and motion accommodation, and a sound-absorbing material for acoustic insulation. This composite structure simultaneously achieves both sound blocking and adaptability to frame motion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a custom-made rigid gap filler is used for specific gaps, then sound insulation is improved, but ease of installation and adaptability to diverse configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler assembly incorporates a resilient member that can dynamically adjust its length and shape to fit various gap sizes and configurations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for custom-made rigid fillers for each specific gap, while maintaining sound blocking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member can change its physical parameters (length, shape) to adapt to different gap dimensions. This parameter variability allows a single standardized assembly to replace multiple custom-made solutions, improving ease of installation while maintaining sound insulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a foam type element is used to fill the gap, then ease of installation is improved, but durability and structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap filler assembly combines a resilient member with a sound-absorbing material, creating a composite structure that maintains structural integrity while remaining easy to install. The resilient member provides the necessary strength and durability, while the assembly as a whole retains the ease of installation characteristic of foam elements.
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 assembly effectively blocks sound transmission, maintains aesthetic appeal, and accommodates frame motion without additional load, providing a durable and easy-to-install solution for diverse gap configurations.
Implementation Method 1
compression springs are disposed within the interior cavity, which is otherwise filled with a sound absorbing insulation. The compression springs push the two frame members in an outward direction.
Implementation Method 2
the interior cavity is filled with a sound absorbing insulation
Implementation Method 3
the interior cavity is filled with a sound insulating foam, which pushes the two shells outwardly. For example, the sound insulating foam of this embodiment may include an expanding foam sound insulation.
Implementation Method 4
the insulation fully recovers from the compressed condition to a free state that fills the volume of the interior cavity in the relaxed state
Data Source
AI summary
A gap filler assembly for filling or covering a gap between an interior partition wall and an exterior wall of a building. Two slidingly engaged frame members define an interior cavity that has a variable volume. Disposed within the interior cavity is a biasing member configured to exert a force on a first frame member in a direction away from a second frame member for compressing the frame members between the interior partition wall and the exterior wall. The biasing member may be a spring or an expanding foam sound insulation.