Bitumen Seal Web with Conductive Layer for Water Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bitumen sealing systems with electrically conductive layers require two layers to achieve electrical connection, doubling material and labor costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bitumen sealing membrane design where the electrically conductive layer of adjacent sheets automatically connects upon laying, either through exposed areas on the underside or top, allowing for electrical contact at a few points, and optionally incorporating conductive reinforcement or being covered with bitumen for protection and welding ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two layers of sealing membrane with electrically conductive layers are laid to achieve electrical connection, then water damage detection capability is improved, but material costs and labor costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into a single layer by exposing the electrically conductive layer at the longitudinal edges of adjacent membranes. This allows electrical contact between tracks through the overlapping exposed areas, eliminating the need for a second layer while maintaining water damage detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking approach (two layers) to a horizontal connection approach (single layer with edge exposure). By exposing the conductive layer at the longitudinal edges and relying on lateral contact between adjacent membranes, the solution achieves electrical connectivity in the horizontal dimension rather than requiring vertical layering.
2Reliability
If two layers of sealing membrane are laid to achieve electrical connection, then water damage detection capability is improved, but labor costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function into the single-layer installation process by designing exposed longitudinal edges that automatically contact adjacent membranes. This eliminates the need for a separate second layer installation, reducing labor time and costs while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive layer is pre-exposed at the longitudinal edges during manufacturing, so that when membranes are laid adjacent to each other, electrical contact is automatically established without requiring additional installation steps. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-installation electrical connection work.
3Reliability
If the electrically conductive layer is exposed at the longitudinal edge, then electrical connection between tracks is achieved, but the conductive layer becomes more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by exposing the electrically conductive layer only at the longitudinal edges where electrical connection is needed, while keeping the rest of the conductive layer protected within the membrane structure. This localized exposure achieves electrical connectivity while minimizing vulnerability to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposed electrically conductive layer at the longitudinal edges acts as an intermediary that enables electrical contact between adjacent membranes. By positioning this exposed area at the edge where membranes naturally overlap or contact, the system achieves electrical connection without requiring extensive exposure that would increase damage vulnerability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the electrically conductive layer is covered with bitumen, then protection and weldability are improved, but electrical insulation from top and bottom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by covering the electrically conductive layer with bitumen only in specific areas (top and bottom surfaces away from edges) while leaving the longitudinal edges exposed. This selective coverage provides protection and weldability where needed while maintaining electrical insulation where required, and preserving edge exposure for electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bitumen coverage to different areas of the membrane: full coverage over the conductive layer in the central and edge regions for protection and weldability, but no coverage at the longitudinal edges to allow electrical contact. This segmented approach balances protection, weldability, and electrical insulation requirements.
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 reliable water damage detection with reduced production effort and costs by ensuring electrical contact between conductive layers in a single layer application, maintaining weldability and insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
Water ingress can be detected, for example, by measuring the resistance between the electrically conductive layer and the building's masonry (which typically exhibits a certain degree of conductivity); if this resistance is not extremely high, then water ingress is present.
Implementation Method 2
The electrically conductive layer with the at least partially exposed area on the underside of one track rests on the exposed area of the electrically conductive layer on the upper side of the adjacent track, so that these two electrically conductive layers touch and are electrically connected.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A bituminous sealing membrane (11) with a reinforcing layer (12) has an electrically conductive layer (15) which is covered on the underside with a bituminous layer (14) except for the area at one longitudinal edge. This creates a lower contact area (16). Furthermore, the electrically conductive layer (15) is folded upwards around the reinforcing layer (12) at the other longitudinal edge of the sealing membrane (11). There, it is exposed in a strip spaced apart from the other longitudinal edge, creating an upper contact area (17). When the membranes are laid, the lower contact area (16) of one membrane automatically comes into contact with the upper contact area (17) of an adjacent membrane, thus automatically creating a continuous conductive layer. The bituminous sealing membrane can also be vertically symmetrical to the embodiment described above.