Deck Drainage System With Trapezoidal Sheet And Locking Bead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stacked exterior decks are inefficient during rainy conditions as water and debris fall through the planks, leading to unsightly waterproof sheathing solutions that can cause pooling and degradation, and existing deck drainage systems are not aesthetically pleasing or effective.
Innovation Solution
A deck drainage system comprising a bracket with a C-shaped receiver and a locking bead with a slit, along with a sheet that spans the brackets, forming an increasing sag or trough to direct water away from the deck, using materials like PVC and HDPE for durability and resistance to degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof sheathing material is attached on the undersides of the joists to collect and redirect water and debris, then water and debris are redirected, but the sheathing is unsightly and can lower the perceived or actual clearance between the lower decks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the traditional sheathing approach by using a separate drainage mat system that collects water and debris without requiring visible sheathing on the joist undersides. The drainage mat is positioned to perform the water redirection function while maintaining the aesthetic appearance and clearance of the deck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage mat acts as an intermediary element between the deck planks and the joists, performing the water and debris collection function without requiring direct attachment of visible sheathing to the joist undersides. This intermediary system achieves the harmful factor redirection while preserving the aesthetic appearance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sheathing is not pitched properly, then water may pool thereon, but pitching may compromise structural integrity or aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage mat is designed with a curved or sloped configuration that promotes water flow and prevents pooling. This curvature allows proper water drainage while maintaining structural integrity by distributing loads evenly across the support structure without requiring aggressive pitching that could compromise stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a drainage system is implemented to redirect water, then water and debris are effectively redirected, but the system may become complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system uses a flexible drainage mat that can be easily installed and conforms to the deck structure. This thin film approach simplifies the system complexity compared to rigid drainage structures, allowing for easier installation while maintaining effective water and debris redirection capabilities.
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 effectively redirects water and debris, preventing pooling and degradation while maintaining a clear and aesthetically pleasing deck appearance by using flexible materials and a trapezoidal sheet design that increases sag along its length, ensuring efficient drainage and durability.
Implementation Method 1
forming an increasing sag or trough to direct water away from the deck
Data Source
AI summary
A deck drainage system includes a bracket, a locking bead, and a sheet. The bracket includes a first leg and an elongate receiver connected to an end portion of the leg. The elongate receiver defines a substantially round cross-sectional profile. The locking bead is an elongate member that defines a slit in an outer surface thereof for receiving the sheet. The locking bead is configured to be received in the receiver.