Curtain Wall Drainage Element for Water Infiltration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curtain walls with inwardly openable windows suffer from water infiltration due to wind-driven rain, which leads to deterioration, and existing solutions compromise the structural integrity or aesthetic appearance of the glass panels.
Innovation Solution
A drain opening apparatus with a labyrinth-type drainage element extending from a concealed horizontal water flow channel, exposed to atmospheric air, and secured without blocking the glass panels, utilizing a sealing material and securement apparatus to prevent water ingress and ensure drainage without weakening the glass panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drainage holes are created in the glass panels to enable water drainage, then water infiltration is prevented, but the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the glass panels are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the glass panels and relocated to the frame structure. The drainage element is positioned within the frame assembly, allowing water to be collected and discharged through the frame rather than requiring holes in the glass panels, thus preserving both the strength and appearance of the glass while maintaining effective water drainage
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage element acts as an intermediary component between the water flow channel and the exterior environment. This element provides a dedicated water discharge pathway through the frame structure, mediating the drainage function without involving the glass panels directly, thereby preventing water infiltration while preserving glass panel integrity
2Reliability
If drainage holes are created in the glass panels to enable water drainage, then water infiltration is prevented, but the aesthetic appearance of the glass panels is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the glass panels and relocated to the frame structure. The drainage element is positioned within the frame assembly, allowing water to be collected and discharged through the frame rather than requiring holes in the glass panels, thus preserving both the strength and appearance of the glass while maintaining effective water drainage
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage element acts as an intermediary component between the water flow channel and the exterior environment. This element provides a dedicated water discharge pathway through the frame structure, mediating the drainage function without involving the glass panels directly, thereby preventing water infiltration while preserving glass panel integrity
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
Effectively prevents water infiltration while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the curtain wall by ensuring proper drainage of infiltrated water without the need for unsightly drainage holes in the glass panels, reducing condensation and corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
configured with a slight downward incline to urge gravitation-caused flow of the infiltrated water
Data Source
AI summary
Curtain wall based drain opening apparatus comprises a drainage element extending outwardly from, and in fluid communication with, a concealed horizontal water flow channel associated with a stationary first frame element of an inwardly pivotable window assembly and adapted to receive infiltrated water, wherein the drainage element passes through a second frame element which is laterally spaced from two adjacent fixed panels of a curtain wall and is exposed to atmospheric air.