Dimpled Membrane Seam Tape Applicator Roller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods using self-adhesive seam tapes struggle to create a waterproof seal at the junctions of dimpled waterproofing membranes, as flat rollers cannot effectively press the tape into the recesses, leading to poor sealing and potential moisture leakage.

Innovation Solution

A novel seam tape applicator with a roller surface featuring a smooth floor and upward projections that complement the dimpled surface of the membranes, allowing the tape to be pressed into both the upper surfaces and recesses, ensuring a complete seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flat roller is used to press self-adhesive seam tape onto dimpled waterproofing membranes, then the application process is simple, but the tape cannot be forced into the recesses of the dimpled surface, resulting in poor sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of tape applicationVSAvoidquality of waterproof seal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface is designed with local variations in geometry, featuring both flat portions and protruding portions that correspond to different regions of the dimpled membrane surface. This local differentiation allows the roller to simultaneously address both the upper surfaces and recesses of the dimpled pattern, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The roller surface employs an asymmetric pattern of protrusions and recesses that complements the asymmetric dimpled structure of the waterproofing membrane. This asymmetric design enables the roller to effectively engage with the complex surface geometry, forcing the seam tape into the recesses while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If mortar is overlaid along the seam line to provide a waterproof junction, then a adequate seal is achieved, but the process is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of waterproof sealVSAvoidtime required for seal preparation and application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The self-adhesive seam tape is designed to adhere automatically to the waterproofing membranes when pressure is applied by the roller. This self-adhesive mechanism eliminates the need for manual mortar application, significantly reducing the time required for sealing while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical process of mortar mixing and application with a simpler mechanical pressing action using the roller. The self-adhesive tape combines multiple functions (sealing, bonding, and waterproofing) into a single material that is applied through a single pressing motion, eliminating the time-consuming mortar workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a flat roller is used to press seam tape onto dimpled membranes, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot create a complete seal at the junctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of roller structureVSAvoidcompleteness of seal at junctions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface incorporates local geometric features (protrusions and flat portions) that are specifically designed to interact with the dimpled membrane surface. This localized geometric quality enables the simple roller structure to achieve complete seal coverage by addressing both the upper surfaces and recesses of the dimpled pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The roller employs a curved surface with varying profiles (including protrusions and recesses) that complements the curved dimpled surface of the waterproofing membrane. This curvature design allows the roller to effectively engage with the three-dimensional surface geometry, achieving complete seal coverage while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 applicator effectively creates a waterproof junction by pressing the self-adhesive seam tape into the recesses of dimpled membranes, preventing moisture leakage and improving the efficiency of the sealing process.

Implementation Method 1

self-adhesive seam tapes have also been developed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11787657B2Apparatus and method for applying self-adhesive seam tapes to the junctions of waterproofing membranes so as to render those junctions waterproof

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 JAEGER USA INC

AI summary

A seam tape applicator for applying self-adhesive seam tapes to the junctions of dimpled waterproofing membranes, wherein the dimpled waterproofing membranes comprise dimpled surfaces, the seam tape applicator comprising: a body; a roller which is rotatably mounted to the body; and a handle which is attached to the body; wherein the roller comprises a roller surface which comprises surface features which complement the dimpled surfaces of the dimpled waterproofing membranes.