Window Wall Sealing Membrane Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window wall systems face challenges in sealing effectiveness due to irregular caulking application, complex component numbers, and structural deflections, leading to water and air infiltration, and require labor-intensive and expensive installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A window wall system design featuring preformed elastomeric sealing membranes interlocked with anchoring brackets, adjustable connectors for vertical alignment, and foam inserts between modules to ensure tight seals and simplify installation, using materials like silicone and EPDM foam for sealing and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicon caulking is applied between the bottom ends of the window wall modules and the concrete slabs to form a seal, then sealing is achieved, but the caulking can have irregularities resulting from imperfect application which allows ingress of water and air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the caulking application step entirely from the sealing process. Instead of applying caulking between the module and slab, a preformed waterproofing membrane is installed that extends beyond the slab perimeter, eliminating the need for imperfect caulking application while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing membrane is preformed with the correct geometry and dimensions before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures proper fit and sealing without requiring skilled application, as the membrane is manufactured to accommodate the specific module-slab interface geometry.
2Reliability
If a bitumen waterproofing sheet is wrapped between the vertically-adjacent window wall modules and a corresponding concrete slab to shield the concrete slab from moisture, then waterproofing is improved, but installing this type of sheet can be a complicated and time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the complex bitumen sheet wrapping process and implements it through a simplified preformed membrane that achieves the same shielding effect without the time-consuming installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical form of the waterproofing material from a flexible sheet requiring wrapping to a preformed membrane with fixed geometry. This parameter change transforms the installation process from a complex manual operation to a simpler placement and attachment procedure.
3Reliability
If the number of components of conventional window wall systems is increased to improve sealing, then sealing capability is enhanced, but the window wall system becomes more complex and more difficult to seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single preformed waterproofing membrane component. This membrane integrates the waterproofing, sealing, and protective functions that would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining or enhancing sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preformed waterproofing membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the interface between the module and slab, shields the concrete slab from moisture, and provides a continuous waterproofing barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
4Ease of operation
If curtain wall modules are positioned proud of the concrete slabs and anchored to the peripheral surfaces to be easier to seal, then sealing ease is improved, but the installation becomes more labor intensive and expensive requiring cranes or material handling machinery
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the module proud of the slab as in curtain wall systems, the patent inverts the approach by having the module sit flush or recessed relative to the slab, with the waterproofing membrane extending outward to provide the sealing function. This inversion eliminates the need for heavy lifting equipment while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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 system provides enhanced sealing performance, reduces installation complexity and costs, and accommodates structural variations, ensuring a watertight and air-tight facade with adjustable components for precise fitting.
Implementation Method 1
Each sealing membrane is made of an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A window wall system includes a plurality of window wall modules for forming at least in part a facade of a building. Each window wall module is connected between two consecutive concrete slabs of the building and includes a bottom rail, a top rail, two vertical mullions, and a window panel. The system also includes a plurality of anchoring brackets for connecting the bottom rail of each window wall module to a respective one of the concrete slabs, and a plurality of preformed sealing membranes. Each anchoring bracket is configured to be affixed to a top surface of the respective one of the concrete slabs. Each sealing membrane sealingly engages the bottom rail of a corresponding window wall module. Each sealing membrane is interlocked with a respective one of the anchoring brackets to retain the sealing membrane in place. Each sealing membrane is made of an elastomeric material.