Universal Joint Sealant Applicator for Flush Foam Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather resistive barriers for building structures are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in applying foam sealants to ensure a flush seal without the need for additional steps or tools, as they often require manual troweling or scraping to remove excess foam.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a wand with a universal joint attached to an applicator head featuring a chamber for continuous sealant application and a row of brush bristles to strike the sealant flat, allowing for efficient application of foam sealants to gaps in building structures without manual pressure, enabling movement in any direction and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam sealant is applied using conventional spray canisters, then the sealant can be applied to gaps in sheathing, but the foam builds taller than the adjacent surfaces requiring manual troweling or scraping to remove excess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealant application function with the excess removal function into a single integrated device. The applicator head includes both the sealant delivery mechanism and a strike surface with scraping edges that automatically level the foam as it exits, eliminating the need for a separate troweling step and reducing overall application time
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the leveling action preliminarily during the application process itself. The strike surface and scraping edges are positioned to immediately level the foam as it exits the applicator head, before the foam has a chance to expand excessively, thereby preventing rather than correcting the problem of excess foam height
2Reliability
If flexible sheeting material is used as weather resistive barrier, then protection against wind and water penetration is provided, but the sheeting must be fastened by hand to all exterior portions which is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical fastening process with an automated fluid application process. Instead of hand-nailing or stapling sheeting material across the entire surface, the foam sealant is applied in liquid form that automatically flows to fill and seal all gaps and penetrations, with the foam expanding to conform to the substrate geometry without requiring manual fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and application parameters of the sealing material. The sealant is applied as a fluid that can flow into and fill gaps, then expands foam in situ to create the seal, rather than applying pre-formed solid sheeting material that requires mechanical fastening. This parameter change from solid to fluid state enables automated application while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If tape and coating is used to seal gaps, then gaps between building panels are closed, but a separate coating must be applied with a trowel or scraper which is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gap sealing function and the surface coating function into a single integrated foam application process. The foam sealant simultaneously fills the gaps between panels and creates a continuous surface coating that bridges over the gaps, eliminating the need for separate taping and coating operations with different tools and materials
4Productivity
If conventional foam applicators are used, then foam sealant can be applied to gaps, but manual pressure must be applied and the applicator cannot easily access hard to reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible or telescoping applicator shaft that can dynamically adjust its length and configuration to reach difficult-to-access areas. The applicator head is designed to flex or articulate, allowing it to navigate around obstacles and into tight spaces while maintaining the ability to deliver foam sealant effectively, thereby combining high productivity with ease of operation in constrained environments
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for applying a fluid sealant with a light touch, the device comprising a wand with a fluid sealant supply, either as part of the wand or as a separate supply tube, attached to the top of an applicator head via a universal joint, wherein the applicator head has a chamber on its underside which is sufficiently large to enable a constant supply of a fluid sealant to a substrate that is to be sealed, and the applicator head has an edge disposed around its lower periphery adapted to strike the sealant flat. In addition, the present invention provides methods of using the devices to form a seal, e.g. a weather-resistive barrier on a sheathed building structure, by applying a flexible and compressible foam to gaps in the structure. The foam may comprise one or more aqueous polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than 25°C.