In-Plane Window Socket Sealing for Variable Gap Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window seals struggle to reliably seal against dimensional deviations in window openings, leading to unpredictable gaps and compromised sealing effectiveness, especially when profile seals are not commercially available or require complex, costly manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A base seal design featuring flat seals that attach to the front surfaces of the window frame and sill, allowing for easy installation and adaptation to varying gap widths, using flat gaskets or self-adhesive materials to ensure a reliable seal, and optionally supplemented with pasty sealants for additional moisture barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If profile seals are used to seal against dimensional deviations, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flat seals in the form of thin, flexible films that can conform to varying gap dimensions. These flat seals are bonded to the base seal and window frame, creating an adaptable sealing solution that does not require complex profiled structures. The thin film nature allows easy manufacturing while maintaining sealing effectiveness against moisture penetration.
2Reliability
If profile seals with complex cross-sections are manufactured, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex profile seals with inexpensive flat sealing films. These flat seals can be easily manufactured and applied, providing reliable sealing without the high manufacturing costs associated with precision-molded profile seals. The simplicity of the flat seal design makes it economically advantageous while maintaining functional effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat seals are used instead of profile seals, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but adaptability to gap variations may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flat seals are designed with dynamic adaptability through their bonding arrangement. The seals are bonded to both the base seal and the window frame, creating a flexible connection that can accommodate dimensional deviations and gap variations. This dynamic configuration allows the flat seal to adjust to different gap widths while maintaining sealing integrity, overcoming the static nature of traditional profile seals.
4Reliability
If seals are positioned close to the reveal surface, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but available installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from positioning seals in the traditional lateral space next to the reveal to bonding flat seals directly to the front surfaces of the window frame and sill. This dimensional shift allows the sealing function to be achieved in a different spatial arrangement, maintaining effective sealing while minimizing interference with the reveal surface and maximizing available installation space.
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 design provides a cost-effective, reliable seal that adapts to dimensional variations, ensuring effective moisture prevention without complex manufacturing, even in confined spaces, and maintains sealing integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
flat seals that attach to the front surfaces of the window frame and sill
Implementation Method 2
using flat gaskets or self-adhesive materials to ensure a reliable seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
In the case of a base seal (1) comprising a floor surface (3), a reveal surface (4), and a wall surface (5), and with a horizontal seal (2) on the wall surface (5) and an vertical seal (2) near the reveal surface (4), it is proposed that the two seals (2) are designed to seal in the same plane, this plane being parallel to the wall surface (5) of the base seal (1). Furthermore, a window assembly (100) with the base seal (1) and a method for mounting the window assembly (100) are proposed.