Channeled Plank Siding With Inclined Inner Channel Drainage

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional modular plank siding systems lack effective drainage solutions, leading to water accumulation and potential structural issues when installed on building surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The development of a siding panel with a securing flange, a receiving channel, and weep holes that divert water away from the building surface by creating an inclined inner channel and tab portion configuration, allowing for efficient water shedding and drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional modular plank siding systems are installed on building surfaces, then the building exterior is covered and protected, but water accumulates on the surface leading to potential structural issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The siding panel is divided into functional zones: a receiving channel at the top to capture water, an inclined inner channel to direct water flow, and a tab portion with weep holes at the bottom to discharge water. This segmentation creates a complete drainage pathway that prevents water accumulation while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined inner channel acts as an intermediary element between the receiving channel and the weep holes, transporting water from the upper surface to the lower discharge points. This intermediary structure ensures controlled water movement away from the building surface, preventing direct contact with structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a drainage system is added to prevent water accumulation, then water is effectively diverted away from the building, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage functionality is merged directly into the siding panel itself rather than being a separate system. The receiving channel, inclined inner channel, and tab portion with weep holes are integrated into a single panel unit, eliminating the need for additional drainage components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The siding panel performs multiple functions: it provides the primary exterior covering, captures water through the receiving channel, directs water flow via the inclined inner channel, and discharges water through the tab portion with weep holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drainage systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective water management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents water accumulation on building surfaces by directing water away from the structure, enhancing durability and appearance while maintaining customizable options and hidden securing mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

an inner channel formed by an inclined surface between the inner face of the elongated body and the tab portion. The first inclined edge located near the upper end of the elongated body such that when panels are placed vertically adjacent each other, the weep holes of the top panel are positioned above an inclined edge of the lower adjacent elongated panel to divert water away from the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11421423B2Channeled plank siding
Publication Date: 2022.08.23
  • US11421423B2 patent drawing
  • US11421423B2 patent drawing
  • US11421423B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A building siding panel is provided with an internal channel for weeping away water and the ability to hide the securing flange when the siding panel is installed on a building wall. The siding panel can be customized to have the look of a wooden panel, while retaining the benefits and durability of a non-wooden material, such as metal.