Compressible Strip Lath Support for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lath support systems face issues with corrosion, damage to water/vapor barriers, and lack of integral waterproofing and adjustable fastening, leading to structural integrity problems and increased labor costs during installation.
Innovation Solution
A lath support system utilizing compressible strip members that function as fastener guides and water drainage channels, made of materials like EVA foam, to space lath from support structures, prevent moisture ingress, and absorb impact during fastening, while allowing adjustable thickness and spacing for enhanced structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal lath is used for structural support, then mechanical strength is provided, but corrosion resistance deteriorates in cementitious environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining metal lath with a polymer-coated substrate. The metal lath provides mechanical strength while the polymer coating (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) provides corrosion resistance, creating a composite material that achieves both properties simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polymer coating as an intermediary layer between the metal lath and the cementitious environment. This intermediary layer protects the metal from direct contact with corrosive substances while allowing the metal to maintain its structural function.
2Strength
If fasteners are used to secure lath to support structures, then structural attachment is achieved, but water/vapor barrier damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymer-coated substrate as an intermediary layer between the fasteners and the water/vapor barrier. This intermediary protects the barrier from damage during fastening operations while still allowing secure attachment of the lath to support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer coating acts as a cushioning layer that absorbs the impact and stress of fastener installation before it can reach and damage the water/vapor barrier. This protective layer is in place beforehand to prevent harmful effects.
3Strength
If conventional lath installation methods are used, then structural support is provided, but installation time increases due to lack of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable elements that allow the lath system to be dynamically configured during installation. The polymer-coated substrate can be adjusted to accommodate different substrate thicknesses and configurations, enabling faster installation without compromising structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for changes in installation parameters such as thickness and spacing adjustments through the polymer coating system. This flexibility enables installers to adapt to different requirements quickly, reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
4Reliability
If non-metallic lath materials are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where a polymer-coated substrate combines the corrosion resistance of non-metallic materials with the mechanical strength provided by the metal lath underlying structure. This composite approach allows both properties to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the corrosion-resistant polymer coating with the structurally sound metal lath into a single integrated system. This combination allows the system to simultaneously achieve both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength that neither material could provide alone.
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 system provides improved waterproof sealing, reduced structural damage, increased mechanical strength, and faster installation by allowing for adjustable fastening and enhanced keying of cementitious materials, resulting in a more durable and efficient lath support system.
Implementation Method 1
compressible strip members that function as fastener guides and water drainage channels, made of materials like EVA foam, to space lath from support structures, prevent moisture ingress, and absorb impact during fastening
Implementation Method 2
compressible strip members that function as fastener guides and water drainage channels
Data Source
AI summary
A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.