Construction Foil Moisture Sensor Self-Powered Leak Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction foils used in building envelopes face challenges with leak detection due to their installation depth, making it difficult to identify moisture penetration issues promptly, and current monitoring systems are costly and inefficient in terms of energy consumption and localization precision.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an active moisture sensor with electrodes directly contacting a nonwoven layer within the construction foil, which generates an electrical signal upon moisture detection, eliminating the need for external power and allowing for early and targeted localization of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive moisture sensors enclosed in insulation boards are used for monitoring, then moisture detection capability is provided, but the system requires permanent external energy supply and incurs high operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensor is designed as a self-powered active pick-up that generates its own electrical signal upon moisture detection, eliminating the need for external power supply. The sensor serves itself by converting the detected moisture condition directly into an electrical signal for leak localization.
2Reliability
If construction foil strips are installed deep within the building envelope structure, then waterproofing function is achieved, but leak detection becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the principle of signal generation through moisture interaction. The active moisture sensor generates an electrical signal (analogous to a detectable change) when moisture is detected, providing immediate and easy localization of leaks without requiring visual inspection or complex search procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The active moisture sensor acts as an intermediary between the construction foil and the monitoring system. It is directly associated with the construction foil and converts moisture presence into electrical signals, bridging the gap between the hidden waterproofing layer and the detection system.
3Reliability
If multiple moisture sensors are wired together in a monitoring system, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each active moisture sensor independently generates its own electrical signal without requiring connection to external power sources or complex wiring networks. This self-powered capability dramatically simplifies the monitoring system architecture while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
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 efficient and cost-effective detection of moisture leaks, reducing the time and effort required for repairs by providing a self-powered, wireless monitoring system that can detect moisture spread across the nonwoven layer, thus minimizing damage and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the moisture sensor comprises at least one electrode and/or one humidity sensing element, and the electrode and/or the humidity sensing element is in direct contact with a nonwoven layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a construction foil (16), especially roof film, roofing foil, flat roof sheeting, fa-cade sheeting and/or vapor barrier and/or sub-roofing sheeting, especially underlayment and/or sarking sheeting, with a single- or multilayer layer structure (17). It is provided according to the invention that at least one moisture sensor (1) for detecting moisture is associated to the construction foil (16), that the moisture sensor (1) is designed as an active pick-up, and that the moisture sensor (1) comprises at least one electrode (18) and/or a humidity sensing element, and the electrode (18) and/or the humidity sensing element is in direct contact with a nonwoven layer (19).