Transverse Tab Drainage Element for Window Rain Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage elements for windows and doors are insufficient in ensuring tightness against driving rain, particularly at the lower corners, allowing water to penetrate between the floor frame and masonry.

Innovation Solution

A drainage element with a tab that extends transversely to the window plane and is fastened to the window frame using a shape-matched profile, combined with a connecting strap that engages in a dovetail-like groove, and a base plate designed as a hammer head or flag with a draining surface, enhances tightness and water drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional drainage elements with tabs parallel to the window plane are used, then installation is simple, but sealing against driving rain is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing against driving rainVSAvoiddrainage element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tab is reoriented from a parallel arrangement to a transverse arrangement relative to the window plane, changing the dimensional orientation of the sealing surface. This transverse tab extends perpendicular to the window plane and engages with the base rail in a different spatial dimension, creating effective sealing against driving rain while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage element incorporates a localized transverse tab structure at the critical sealing position where driving rain penetration occurs. This tab features a specific profile shape that matches the base rail groove, creating a form-fit connection that provides enhanced sealing quality at the exact location needed without complicating the entire drainage element structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a transverse tab with shape-matched profile is used, then sealing against driving rain is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing against driving rainVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse tab is designed with a profile that automatically engages with the corresponding groove in the base rail through a form-fit connection. The shape-matched geometry allows the tab to self-align and self-seat into the groove during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while achieving reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If drainage elements are added to frames with integrated roller shutter guides, then water protection is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater protectionVSAvoidsystem assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse tab serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against driving rain, connects the drainage element to the base rail of the roller shutter guide, and integrates with the frame structure. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address water protection needs in systems with integrated roller shutter guides without requiring additional separate connection elements, thereby simplifying overall system assembly.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3783187B1System with a window, a shading and a drainage element
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 GEST HLDG GMBH
  • EP3783187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a frame for a window or (patio) door, a shading system, and a drainage element (16), with the following features: the drainage element (16) has a base plate (17) and at least one tab (22) arranged at an angle to the base plate (17), which is arranged at least on a part of an edge (19) of the base plate (17), which, in the mounted state of the drainage element (16), extends transversely to the window plane (12) on an outer side of the window; the tab (22) has at least one fastening means; the frame has at least two uprights (11); a guide for a shade of the shading system is arranged on at least two of the uprights (11); and the guides each have a base rail (13).To improve the tightness, especially in driving rain, and to simplify assembly, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the tab (22) of the drainage element (22) has a shape corresponding to the base rail (13).