Self-Displaceable Window Seal Adjusting to Gap Tolerances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seals in windows and doors fail to maintain a tight seal due to manufacturing and installation tolerances, leading to misfit gaps and potential leaks, as the seal is not self-adjusting and can become compressed or deformed, especially when gap dimensions differ on different sides.
Innovation Solution
A self-displaceable seal is designed to slide along its longitudinal extension, allowing it to automatically adjust its position in response to force, ensuring optimal sealing by shifting to accommodate varying gap sizes without manual intervention, utilizing a circumferential arrangement with connected sealing sections and an elastic material with a sealing foot that fits into a retaining groove, allowing for longitudinal displacement while maintaining grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional seal is rigidly connected to the sash frame, then the seal is held firmly in position, but the seal cannot adjust to different gap dimensions and becomes compressed or deformed, leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction within a retaining groove, transforming from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The seal can automatically shift position along the groove to accommodate varying gap dimensions while maintaining sealing contact, resolving the contradiction between firm positioning and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is allowed to slide freely in the longitudinal direction, then the seal can adapt to different gap dimensions, but the seal may become loose or detach from the sash frame
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining groove is segmented into different functional zones: a first region that allows free longitudinal displacement for adaptability, and a second region with engagement structures (protrusions and receptacles) that provide lateral retention for stability. This segmentation enables the seal to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and position stability.
3Reliability
If the seal is compressed to fit smaller gaps, then the seal maintains contact in tight areas, but the seal becomes deformed and creates misfit in larger gap areas
Solution Approach 1:
The seal automatically adjusts its position along the retaining groove in response to varying gap dimensions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or pre-compression. The seal self-regulates to maintain uniform sealing contact across all gap areas, preventing both over-compression and misfit conditions.
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 self-displaceable seal ensures a consistent and effective sealing performance across different gap dimensions, preventing leaks and maintaining a tight seal without manual adjustment, as it automatically shifts to accommodate larger gaps and remains secure on the frame.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing foot is elastically deformed and then springs out again when it is in the full insertion position, which creates the rear grip
Data Source
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AI summary
The window (1) i.e. house roof window (2), or door, has a moveable leaf (3) comprising a seal (6) for sealing with respect to a frame (4) of the window or the door. The seal is held in a direction of a longitudinal extension at the leaf in a movable manner. The seal is formed as a partially circumferential seal. The seal has seal sections (10, 11, 16, 21) attached to a side of the leaf. The seal sections are welded with each other in a corner area. A self-moveable holder is formed by a seal base resting a retaining groove of the leaf. The seal is made of elastic material.