Adjustable Drip Edge Corner for Masonry Wall Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flashing systems in cavity wall constructions are limited in accommodating non-standard corner angles, as they are typically designed for ninety-degree angles and lack the flexibility to adjust to acute or obtuse angles, which can lead to inefficiencies in water management and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A drip edge corner element with a planar elongated member featuring a relieved section that allows for angular adjustment via an articulable joint, enabling the corner to be adjusted from straight to various angles between 10 and 355 degrees, accommodating different wall structures by folding along a pivot point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flashing is cut to size for ninety-degree corners, then the flashing can be installed for standard corners, but it cannot accommodate acute or obtuse angle corners
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing system incorporates a hinge joint that allows the flashing to dynamically adjust between straight configuration and various corner angles. The hinge enables the flashing to bend and adapt to different wall configurations (acute, right, obtuse angles) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-formed ninety-degree drip edges are used, then the drip edge is structurally sound, but it cannot be adjusted to accommodate non-standard corner angles
Solution Approach 1:
The drip edge is divided into multiple segments connected by hinge joints, allowing each segment to maintain its structural integrity while the entire assembly can be adjusted to various angles. This segmentation enables the drip edge to adapt to non-standard corners without compromising the structural soundness of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise rigid drip edge, enabling it to bend and accommodate various corner angles while maintaining structural reliability through the hinge's mechanical connection.
3Ease of operation
If builders are confined to ninety-degree corners, then the construction process is simplified, but architectural design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable flashing with hinge joint provides a simple-to-install solution that simultaneously enables architectural flexibility. The hinge mechanism allows workers to easily adjust the flashing to various angles during installation, accommodating diverse architectural designs without complicating the construction process.
Data Source
AI summary
A drip edge corner element for use in masonry wall construction has a generally planar elongated member with a top side and a bottom side, with opposed side edges. This elongated member may preferable take a rectangular shape in planar profile, with a relieved section formed across the member dividing the member into two parts. These two parts are connected at a place about which the two parts are relatively movable, such as an articulable joint or pivot therebetween. The drip edge corner is thereby angularly adjustable by moving at least one of the parts about the place or pivot.