Deck Shielding Device with Drip Edge and Air Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielding devices for decks inadequately protect upper deck boards from water damage, allowing moisture to pool and cause rotting, as they primarily focus on protecting only the lowermost lumber without addressing water wicking between the shield and upper boards.
Innovation Solution
A shielding device with an upper member, opposing main body sidewalls, an upper grip, and side tabs, designed to minimize contact and allow air circulation, featuring a monolithic plastic unit with a rounded top and flat bottom, orthogonal sidewalls, and hook-shaped side tabs to secure and prevent movement, effectively directing water runoff and reducing capillary action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the bottom piece of lumber is protected, then the lowermost joist is protected from water damage, but water pools at the joint and wicks up through the upper board causing rot
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding device is divided into two distinct functional segments: an upper shield portion that protects the upper deck board and a lower shield portion that protects the lower joist. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific protection needs, preventing water from reaching both the upper board and lower joist simultaneously, thereby eliminating the water wicking problem while maintaining comprehensive protection.
2Device complexity
If grooves are formed through the underside to reduce contact, then contact between upper board and shield is reduced, but water wicking is not fully prevented
Solution Approach 1:
An air gap is introduced as an intermediary space between the upper shield portion and the upper deck board. This air gap acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact and blocks the capillary action required for water wicking. The air circulation within this gap further helps to keep the interface dry, effectively preventing water from migrating from the upper board to the lower joist.
3Ease of operation
If a monolithic unit is used, then installation is simplified and excess movement is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper shield portion, lower shield portion, and connecting features are merged into a single monolithic unit formed from one continuous piece of extruded material. This merging eliminates the need for field assembly of multiple components, ensures precise alignment during installation, and prevents excess movement between parts. The monolithic construction is achieved through extrusion manufacturing, which creates a unified structure that simplifies installation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 device effectively prevents water damage to both upper boards and joists by minimizing water intrusion and allowing air circulation, reducing the risk of rotting and simplifying installation, while preventing excess movement during construction.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion may extend downwardly and outwardly from an end of the first portion to define each of the pair of main body sidewalls as terminating with a drip edge
Implementation Method 2
The invention may also advantageously allow for air circulation between the board, or joist, and the shielding device, which may further prevent damage of a constructed deck
Implementation Method 3
water may pool at the joint between the device and the upper board, which may, in turn, cause water to wick up through the upper board via capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A shielding device for protecting decks from rotting includes an upper member, a pair of opposing main body sidewalls, an upper grip, and a side tab. The main body sidewalls may include a first portion and a second portion terminating with a drip edge. The upper grip may protrude from the bottom of the upper member, and the side tab may protrude from the inner portion of at least one of the main body sidewalls.