Corrugated Rainscreen Lath Assembly for Moisture Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tighter building constructions lead to increased risks of moisture and mold problems due to reduced airflow and moisture leakage, and existing rainscreen systems can cause moisture accumulation by forming a barrier.
Innovation Solution
A combination rainscreen/lath assembly comprising a corrugated spunbond layer and a lath layer, designed to allow air and moisture to flow through, thereby preventing moisture accumulation and facilitating drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a moisture barrier is formed in the rainscreen system, then moisture penetration is reduced, but moisture accumulation occurs and drying becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous foam board material with closed-cell structure that allows moisture vapor transmission while maintaining water resistance. The porous nature enables the material to act as a capillary break and allow drying of the exterior sheathing, preventing moisture accumulation while still providing moisture penetration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rainscreen system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: rigid insulation board with open channels, weather-resistant barrier, and porous foam board. This composite structure integrates moisture barrier functionality with vapor permeability, resolving the contradiction between preventing moisture penetration and allowing moisture drying.
2Loss of energy
If tighter building construction is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but moisture and mold risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized vapor permeable zones within the wall assembly, specifically the porous foam board and open channels in the rigid insulation, that allow moisture vapor to pass through while maintaining the overall tight building envelope for energy efficiency. This local quality modification enables moisture management without compromising overall building tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous foam board acts as an intermediary layer between the interior and exterior environments, providing a capillary break that stops liquid water intrusion while allowing vapor transmission. This intermediary material enables the building to maintain tight construction for energy efficiency while managing moisture through the mediating porous layer.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer rainscreen system is used, then installation is simplified, but moisture management capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated rigid insulation board with built-in open channels and cavities that facilitate moisture drainage and air circulation. This consolidation provides complex moisture management capabilities (drainage plane, air gap, vapor barrier) in a single component, maintaining installation simplicity while enhancing moisture management reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid insulation board is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as thermal insulation, drainage plane, air gap creator, and structural support. This universal component performs multiple moisture management functions that would traditionally require separate layers, reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving moisture management capability.
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 assembly effectively reduces the risk of moisture and mold damage by allowing moisture to drain and air to circulate, addressing the limitations of existing rainscreen systems.
Implementation Method 1
a corrugated spunbond layer and a lath layer operatively connected to the corrugated spunbond layer. The assembly is configured and arranged to allow air and moisture to flow therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A combination rainscreen/lath assembly comprises a corrugated spunbond layer and a lath layer operatively connected to the corrugated spunbond layer. Optionally, the lath layer is corrugated. The assembly is configured and arranged to allow air and moisture to flow therethrough.