Window Frame Corner Sealing for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite window frames are prone to moisture damage due to inadequate sealing, particularly in areas between the window reveal and the sealing profile, leading to potential water ingress and damage to the wall structure and insulation layers, especially during driving rain.
Innovation Solution
A specialized sealing part is arranged in the outer corner area of the frame panel, extending into the window sill, with angled legs to prevent moisture penetration and a drainage channel to guide water away from the wall, ensuring reliable sealing and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing profile is used to seal the gap between the stick frame body and the frame panel, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but moisture can still penetrate through the area between the window reveal and the sealing profile during driving rain
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing profile sealing the gap between the stick frame body and the frame panel, and a second sealing profile sealing the area between the window reveal and the first sealing profile. This segmentation ensures comprehensive sealing coverage and prevents moisture penetration through any potential gaps or failures in a single sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach extends from a single plane to multiple dimensions by positioning sealing profiles at different locations and orientations. The first sealing profile addresses the vertical gap between frame components, while the second sealing profile addresses the horizontal area between the window reveal and the first sealing profile, creating a multi-dimensional sealing barrier.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the area between the window reveal and the sealing profile is left open for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but moisture damage occurs due to lack of protection during driving rain
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation and sealing requirements are satisfied by segmenting the space into different zones: an open area between the window reveal and the first sealing profile that allows ventilation, and a sealed area created by the second sealing profile that prevents moisture intrusion. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both ventilation and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing profile acts as an intermediary element that protects the ventilated area from moisture. It creates a protective barrier that allows air circulation in the open area while preventing rainwater from penetrating through to the underlying structure, thus mediating between ventilation needs and moisture protection requirements.
3Loss of energy
If insulating layers are installed around the window reveal, then energy efficiency is improved, but moisture accumulation in the insulation material reduces its insulating effect
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing profiles are installed beforehand to prevent moisture from reaching the insulating layers. By creating a protective seal between the window frame components and the insulation material, the system preemptively prevents moisture accumulation that would otherwise degrade the insulating performance, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and insulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing profiles serve as intermediary protective elements between the external environment and the insulating layers. They create a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating to the insulation material, thereby protecting the insulation performance while allowing the energy-efficient design to function effectively.
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 solution effectively prevents moisture damage by sealing the critical area between the window reveal and the sealing profile, guiding water away from the wall and preventing accumulation, thus protecting the building structure from moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
moisture that condenses in the area of the side soffits or enters through the space between the floor frame body and a frame panel and thus follows gravity next to the weather protection rail or the deflector plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The window frame comprises a block frame body (21) and a frame trim (22), which is attached to the block frame body to form an intermediate free space. The block frame body comprises multiple block frame elements (21a,21b), which are interconnected with each other in a corner area in pairs. The frame trim comprises multiple trim portions (22a,22b), of which two trim portions meet in the corner area of the window frame. A sealing part is arranged in the intermediate free space between the block frame body and the frame trim in the corner area of the window frame. An independent claim is included for a composite window for use with a composite window door for a window arrangement.