Construction Membrane Moisture Sensor Layout for Leak Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction membranes lack effective and cost-efficient moisture detection systems that can accurately locate leaks in building envelopes, leading to delayed detection of water damage and extensive, costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A construction membrane with a carrier layer featuring printed resistive or capacitive humidity sensors, where each sensor is part of a distinct group, connected via a conductor assembly with separation points, allowing precise localization of moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moisture sensors are integrated into construction membranes, then moisture detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple moisture sensors, conductor tracks, and separation points into a single integrated construction membrane assembly. The sensors are arranged in sensor groups with shared conductor connections, merging detection elements into one unified structure that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability across the entire membrane surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections to multiple sensors, defines sensor group boundaries through separation points, and enables both individual sensor identification and group-based moisture detection. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate connection structures for each sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple moisture sensors are integrated into a single construction membrane, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the membrane into multiple sensor groups, where each group contains several sensors that share common conductor connections. This segmentation allows precise leak localization by identifying which specific sensor group detects moisture, while reducing complexity by having sensors within each group share connection infrastructure rather than requiring individual connections for every sensor.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring system is installed, then reliability of damage detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The construction membrane performs self-monitoring through integrated moisture sensors that automatically detect and signal moisture presence without requiring external monitoring equipment or continuous human inspection. The membrane's own structure incorporates the sensing capability, enabling autonomous damage detection while keeping manufacturing costs relatively low.
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 timely and cost-effective detection of moisture penetration, reducing long-term damage by pinpointing the location of leaks, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in construction applications.
Implementation Method 1
The humidity sensor is designed as a resistive and/or capacitive humidity sensor. The resistive and/or capacitive humidity sensor is formed by at least two, in particular at least partially adjacent, electrically conductive measuring conductors for resistive and/or capacitive humidity measurement. If water or moisture is present in the water line between the electrically conductive measuring conductors, the electrical resistance or capacitance can be influenced in such a way that moisture can be detected via the humidity sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The humidity sensor is designed as a resistive and/or capacitive humidity sensor. The resistive and/or capacitive humidity sensor is formed by at least two, in particular at least partially adjacent, electrically conductive measuring conductors for resistive and/or capacitive humidity measurement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a construction membrane (1), in particular for use as a roofing membrane, with a carrier layer (2), wherein on the outside (3) of the carrier layer (2) an electronic unit (4) is arranged a plurality of moisture sensors (5) having a first and a second measuring conductor (6, 7) for resistive and/or capacitive moisture measurement, preferably printed on, wherein a plurality of sensor groups (8a-8e) each formed by at least one moisture sensor (5) is provided, wherein the first measuring conductor (6) of the moisture sensor (5) is electrically connected to at least one supply line (9), wherein the second measuring conductor (7) of the moisture sensor (5) is electrically connected to a conducting device (10) having a plurality of conductors (11),wherein each sensor group (8a-8e) is assigned a conductor unit (12) of the conductor assembly (10) which is electrically connected to the second measuring conductor track (7) of the respective humidity sensor (5) of the respective sensor group (8a-8e), and wherein the individual conductor units (12) are electrically separated from each other by at least one separation point (13) and/or separation points (13), in particular in the respective conductor tracks (11) and/or in the respective second measuring conductor tracks (7).