Zigzag Elastic Joint Seal for Wooden Terraces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for closing joints in wooden terraces and wood-based material flooring outdoors either allow penetration by vermin, prevent drainage and ventilation, or require complex assembly processes, failing to balance moisture-related expansion and mechanical closure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A zigzag-shaped joint closure element made from elastic material, which can be pre-tensioned to fit within the joint, ensuring water permeability and ventilation while maintaining mechanical closure, even with changes in wood moisture levels, by adjusting its width through tensile loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open joints are used to accommodate wood expansion and ensure ventilation, then ventilation and drainage are improved, but pest penetration and object loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible joint sealing element made of elastomeric material that can be compressed during installation and then expands to seal the joint while remaining flexible enough to accommodate wood expansion and contraction. This flexible membrane approach blocks pests and objects while maintaining ventilation channels for air and water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint sealing element incorporates a porous structure that allows air and water to pass through while physically blocking pests and small objects. The porous material provides filtration functionality, permitting beneficial fluid flow while excluding harmful elements.
2Reliability
If joint sealing profiles are compressed into joints to create dustproof and waterproof seals, then sealing is improved, but ventilation and water drainage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric joint sealing element is compressed during installation to fit tightly into the joint, creating an effective seal. However, its flexibility allows it to maintain ventilation channels and drainage pathways, unlike rigid sealing profiles that completely block the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint sealing element is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can be compressed during installation for sealing, then expands to maintain seal integrity while accommodating wood movement. The element adapts its shape and density to maintain both sealing and ventilation functions under different conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent compression and expansion of joint sealing profiles occur due to moisture changes, then sealing adaptability is improved, but wood and profile damage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The joint sealing element is made from elastomeric material with high elasticity and resilience, allowing it to withstand frequent compression and expansion cycles caused by wood moisture changes. The material's physical parameters (elastic modulus, tensile strength) are selected to endure repeated deformation without fatigue or degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint sealing element automatically adjusts to wood expansion and contraction through its elastic properties, maintaining seal integrity without requiring external adjustment or intervention. The element self-regulates its compression level in response to joint width changes, preventing damage from excessive force.
4Strength
If visible screws are used to secure decking boards, then board attachment is improved, but access to area beneath becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional screw fastening system from the decking board surface, extracting the attachment function to a hidden mechanical locking system within the board profile. This eliminates visible screws while maintaining secure attachment and allowing access to the area beneath by removing individual boards without damaging others.
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 provides a reliable, easy-to-install joint closure that prevents vermin penetration and ensures effective drainage and ventilation, adapting to wood moisture changes without losing clamping effect, thus enhancing the durability and functionality of outdoor wooden structures.
Implementation Method 1
The joint sealing element is designed as a zigzag-shaped strip section (1) made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The joint sealing element is held in the joint under preload and serves to close the joint against the penetration of vermin
Implementation Method 3
The spring action of the joint sealing element is thus utilized to hold it in the joint, even when variations in joint width occur
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint sealing element (100) for installation in joints (2) of wooden terraces (3) and/or between wood-based decking boards (4) in outdoor areas, as well as to a wooden terrace (3). Increased safety is achieved by the fact that the joint sealing element (100) is designed as a zigzag-shaped strip section (1) made of an elastic material and is intended to be held in the joint (2) under pre-tension. The invention also relates to a method for sealing joints (2).