Archable Flashing for Arched Windows and Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional L-shaped flashing is inadequate for arched windows and doors, as it cannot bend without deforming, leading to compromised water barriers and the need for custom, expensive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid PVC flashing with a flexible flange and nailing strip, co-extruded for flexibility and strength, allows easy installation around both rectangular and arched openings by bending and stretching to form a continuous water impervious dam without special brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional L-shaped flashing is used, then installation on rectangular windows and doors is straightforward, but it cannot bend around arched brick mould without deforming
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing is divided into two distinct components: a rigid cap that maintains its shape and provides structural integrity, and a flexible flange that can bend and conform to arched surfaces. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the cap resists deformation while the flange adapts to curved brick mould.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing combines materials with different mechanical properties - a rigid cap material (such as metal or rigid plastic) that maintains shape, and a flexible flange material (such as flexible metal or rubberized material) that can bend without deforming. This composite construction resolves the contradiction between shape retention and adaptability to arched openings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If notches are cut in the flashing leg to allow bending, then the flashing can conform to arched surfaces, but the continuous dam is breached and reliability degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing is segmented into a cap and flange that are joined but can move relative to each other. The flexible flange bends to accommodate arches while the rigid cap remains intact, preventing breaches in the water barrier. The segmentation allows the flexible portion to absorb the deformation stress without compromising the continuous dam.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is constructed from flexible material that can bend and stretch to conform to arched surfaces while maintaining its integrity as a continuous water barrier. This flexible component absorbs the geometric adaptation requirements, allowing the flashing to conform to arches without cutting or breaching the dam.
3Manufacturing precision
If specially molded curved flashing is ordered, then proper fit for arched openings is achieved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing design is universal, capable of being installed on both rectangular and arched openings using the same component. The flexible flange allows a single standardized flashing product to adapt to different geometric requirements, eliminating the need for specially molded curved flashing and reducing both cost and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing incorporates dynamic flexibility through the flexible flange, allowing it to adapt its shape during installation to match either straight or curved brick mould. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for pre-formed curved flashing while maintaining proper fit and function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible material with rigid brackets is used, then the flashing can bend around arches, but special brackets and ancillary items are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing merges the cap and flange into a single integrated component that provides both structural support and flexibility. This unified design eliminates the need for separate rigid brackets and ancillary items, as the flange itself provides the necessary flexibility and attachment capability for arched installations.
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
Enables easy and effective installation on both standard and arched windows and doors, providing a continuous water barrier without the need for custom flashing, reducing installation costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive strip protected by a release layer is applied to the underside of the cap to aid in installation
Implementation Method 2
The cap is made of semi-rigid plastic material such as rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) that is flexible enough to be bent into an arch
Implementation Method 3
each segment preferably has one or more nail holes formed therethrough for receiving a nail or other fastener
Data Source
AI summary
An archable flashing is disclosed for flashing around rectangular windows and doors and arch top windows and doors. The flashing has an elongated cap with an outside drip edge formed of a rigid plastic material. A flexible flange made of a flexible and stretchable plastic material is bonded to the inside edge of the cap and a rigid plastic nailing strip is bonded along the distal edge of the flexible flange. Spaced slits in the nailing strip subdivide it into segments and each segment is provided with one or more nail holes. The slits terminate at circular notches formed in the flexible flange adjacent to its junction with the nailing strip. The flashing is installed by placing its cap atop the straight or arched brick mold of a window or door while flexing the flange upwardly to rest against the adjacent wall. For arched brick mold, the flexible flange stretches differentially to accommodate the curve and the slits allow the nailing strip segments to separate. The flashing is then permanently installed by driving nails through the nail holes in the nailing strip segments and into the wall beneath.