Threshold Adapter Rainwater Drainage Channel Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing threshold adapters for windows and doors fail to prevent backwater accumulation, especially during driving rain, leading to rainwater penetration into the interior.

Innovation Solution

The threshold adapter is designed with a molded part interspersed with a channel for draining rainwater, featuring an upper outlet opening and a U-shaped channel area that directs water downwards, along with a drain opening in a wind-protected area, and includes screw channels for easy assembly and sealing parts for enhanced water drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a flat door sill profile with low construction height is used, then the threshold area is compact and modern, but backwater forms during driving rain and rainwater penetrates into the interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold profile shapeVSAvoidrainwater penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The threshold adapter is segmented into functional zones: an upper outlet opening for receiving rainwater, a channel for water transport, and a lower outlet opening for drainage. This segmentation allows the flat threshold profile to incorporate effective water management without increasing overall height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threshold adapter acts as an intermediary component between the threshold profile and the frame post. It mediates the water flow by providing a channel system that intercepts and redirects rainwater away from the interior, solving the rainwater penetration problem while maintaining the compact flat profile design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the threshold adapter is designed with integrated channels and outlet openings, then rainwater drainage is effective, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainage capabilityVSAvoidthreshold adapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel, outlet openings, and mounting features are merged into a single integrated threshold adapter component. This combining approach provides effective water drainage functionality while reducing the number of separate parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threshold adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the threshold profile, creates drainage channels for water management, and offers mounting interfaces for secure installation. This multi-functionality achieves reliable water drainage without requiring additional separate components

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

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

Effectively intercepts and drains rainwater from the threshold area, preventing backwater accumulation and ensuring water runs off in a wind-protected manner, reducing rainwater penetration into the interior.

Implementation Method 1

the channel having an upper outlet opening in the region of the profiling of the threshold adapter, with a drain opening being arranged in the wind-protected area of the threshold adapter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2246513B1Window or door comprising a frame with a door or window sleeper enclosed using a sleeper adapter
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 GRUNDMEIER
  • EP2246513B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2246513B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2246513B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The window or door (1) has a door sill region including a profile (6) with a vertical bracket (9) having a plate-like holder for fixing to a wall of a vertical profile (5), where the wall is directed towards an inner side of the vertical profile. A sill adapter (7) is formed from a molded part, where a channel for guiding rain water passes via the sill adapter. The channel has an upper mouth opening that lies in a region of a profile of the sill adapter. A discharge opening is arranged in a region below the sill adapter.