Self-healing mate line for modular paneling

Abstract

A flexible seal assembly can include a base region coupled to a first seal region defining a hollow cavity, the first seal region having a profile including a cross sectional width that is tapered in a tapered-width region near the base region to be thicker than in a distal region extending outwards from the base region. The profile of the first seal region can include a curved face in a region exterior to the first hollow cavity in the distal region extending outwards from the base region, and the profile of the first seal region includes flat faces in the region exterior to the first hollow cavity in the tapered-width region. A system such as a modular panel assembly or frame-and-seal arrangement of a modular panel system can include a first frame assembly including a channel sized and shaped to receive a retention feature of the first seal assembly.

The claimed invention is: 
     
       1. A flexible seal system, comprising:
 a first flexible seal assembly comprising a base region coupled to a first seal region defining a hollow cavity, the first seal region having a profile including a cross sectional wall thickness that is tapered in a tapered-width region near the base region to be thicker than in a distal region extending outwards from the base region, the profile defining a transition between different curvatures of the tapered-width region and the distal region, the transition defining a compliant location where lateral protrusion of the flexible seal assembly is enhanced along the profile; 
 a second flexible seal assembly, the second flexible seal assembly comprising a second seal region having a profile comprising a substantially-mirror-image representation of the first seal region, and the second seal assembly configured to provide sealing action when the second seal region is pressed against the first seal region; 
 wherein the profile of the first seal region includes a curved face in a region exterior to the first hollow cavity in the distal region extending outwards from the base region, the curved face shaped to provide sealing action when pressed against a corresponding curved face of the second seal assembly including causing further lateral protrusion at the compliant location along the profile defined by the transition while such protrusion is inhibited by the profile in the tapered-width region near the base region; and 
 wherein the tapered width region near the base region is defined by flat faces extending from the base region, the flat faces non-parallel with respect to each other, the flat faces comprising an interior-facing flat face defining an obtuse angle with respect to the base region and an exterior-facing flat face defining an acute angle with respect to the base region. 
 
     
     
       2. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , wherein respective interior flat faces and an interior-facing portion of the base region define a trapezoidal shape. 
     
     
       3. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , wherein the curved face includes a constant radius of curvature. 
     
     
       4. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , wherein the profile of the first seal region includes a curved face facing an interior of the hollow cavity, along the profile, corresponding to the region having the curved face facing the exterior of the hollow cavity. 
     
     
       5. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , wherein the base region comprises a first retention feature having a profile configured to mechanically retain the seal assembly in a mechanical frame. 
     
     
       6. The flexible seal system of  claim 5 , wherein the retention feature includes a flanged portion configured to slide into a corresponding channel of the mechanical frame. 
     
     
       7. The flexible seal system of  claim 5 , wherein the retention feature includes one or more tabs to snap into place into a corresponding channel of the mechanical frame. 
     
     
       8. The flexible seal system of  claim 7 , wherein the retention feature defines a second hollow cavity permitting displacement of a portion of the retention feature during insertion into the mechanical frame, but which urges the one or more tabs outwards after insertion to retain the flexible seal assembly in the mechanical frame after insertion. 
     
     
       9. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , wherein the profile of the first seal region is symmetrical about a bisecting axis extending towards the distal region from the base region. 
     
     
       10. The flexible seal system of  claim 1 , comprising a second seal region having a profile matching the first seal region, coupled to the base region but laterally offset from the first seal region. 
     
     
       11. The flexible seal system of  claim 10 , wherein the base includes a first retention feature located on the base region opposite the hollow cavity of the first seal region and a second retention feature located on the base region opposite a hollow cavity of the second seal region. 
     
     
       12. The flexible seal system of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second retention features are different to preclude attachment of the flexible seal assembly in an incorrect orientation. 
     
     
       13. A system, comprising:
 a first flexible seal assembly including: 
 a base region coupled to a first seal region defining a hollow cavity, the first seal region having a profile including a cross sectional wall thickness that is tapered in a tapered-width region near the base region to be thicker than in a distal region extending outwards from the base region, the profile defining a transition between different curvatures of the tapered-width region and the distal region, the transition defining a compliant location where lateral protrusion of the flexible seal assembly is enhanced along the profile; 
 a retention feature located on the base region opposite the hollow cavity; 
 a first frame assembly including a channel sized and shaped to receive the retention feature and configured to inhibit the seal assemble from detaching from the first frame assembly when the seal is displaced in at least one axis, the first frame assembly configured to couple to a panel; 
 a second frame assembly coupled to a second flexible seal assembly, the second flexible seal assembly comprising a second seal region having a profile comprising a substantially-mirror-image representation of the first seal region, and the second seal assembly configured to provide sealing action when the second seal region is pressed against the first seal region; 
 wherein the profile of the first seal region includes a curved face in a region exterior to the first hollow cavity in the distal region extending outwards from the base region, the curved face shaped to provide sealing action when pressed against a corresponding curved face of the second flexible seal assembly including causing further lateral protrusion at the compliant location along the profile defined by the transition while such protrusion is inhibited by the profile in the tapered-width region near the base region; and 
 wherein the tapered width region near the base region is defined by flat faces extending from the base region, the flat faces non-parallel with respect to each other, the flat faces comprising an interior-facing flat face defining an obtuse angle with respect to the base region and an exterior-facing flat face defining an acute angle with respect to the base region. 
 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first frame assembly comprises a metal extrusion; and
 wherein the first frame assembly defines a thermal break cavity located along the first frame assembly. 
 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , comprising an polymer-based insert configured to be securely retained in the thermal break cavity. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein the insert comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the frame assembly includes a cavity configured to be coupled to the panel, the cavity also including a thermal break. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first seal assembly comprises a first pair of respective hollow seal regions having matching profiles, each coupled to the base but laterally offset from each other along the base; and
 wherein the second seal assembly comprises a second pair of hollow seal regions having a profile comprising a substantially-mirror-image representation of the first flexible seal assembly. 
 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 13 , wherein respective interior flat faces and an interior-facing portion of the base region define a trapezoidal shape.