V-Shaped Joint Sealing Element for Multi-Function Construction Seals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing elements for construction joints are complex, requiring multiple components and are not easily manufactured or installed, failing to provide multiple sealing functions efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A sealing element with converging support layers forming a V-shape, containing a functional material in a receiving space, allowing for easy manufacturing and installation, and accommodating various sealing functions such as fire protection, thermal insulation, and moisture sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part sealing assembly is used to fulfill multiple sealing functions, then the sealing functions (fire protection, acoustic insulation, moisture sealing) are achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealing element. The receiving space contains functional materials that provide fire protection, acoustic insulation, and moisture sealing simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a receiving space that can contain various functional materials. This single element can perform multiple sealing functions (fire protection, acoustic insulation, moisture sealing) depending on the material selected, making it a universal solution for different sealing requirements.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part sealing assembly is used to fulfill multiple sealing functions, then the sealing functions are achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionsVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single manufacturable component. The receiving space is integrated into the sealing element structure, allowing functional materials to be contained within a single piece that can be manufactured as one unit, significantly improving ease of manufacture compared to assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If essentially formless sealants or sealing pastes are introduced into the building joint, then various sealing functions can be provided, but the ease of operation decreases and installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionsVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the sealing element with a specific geometry including a receiving space before installation. The functional materials are contained within this pre-formed structure, eliminating the need for complex application processes required for formless sealants or pastes, and allowing simple insertion into the building joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the support layers converge in a V-shape to provide flexibility and adapt to relative movements, then the adaptability to joint width variations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to joint widthVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the support layers to converge at specific angles forming a V-shape. This geometric parameter enables the sealing element to adapt to relative movements and joint width variations while maintaining manufacturability, as the V-shape can be produced using standard manufacturing processes with controlled angular parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4222325B1Sealing element for a joint of a structure
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 HILTI AG
  • EP4222325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4222325B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11
  • EP4222325B1 patent drawingFigure 12~17

AI summary

The invention relates to a sealing element (10) for a construction joint, the sealing element comprising a first carrier layer (12) and a second carrier layer (14). In a cross-sectional view (A) oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction (L) of the sealing element (10), the two carrier layers (12, 14) are essentially of equal length, and at least one portion of the first carrier layer (12) and at least one portion of the second carrier layer (14) run towards each other in a V shape. Furthermore, an accommodating space (18) is formed between the first carrier layer (12) and the second carrier layer (14), in which accommodating space a functional material (20) is accommodated.