Draining Construction Wrap With Strut Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction wraps often fail to effectively drain moisture between the outer wall and the construction wrap due to engagement issues, leading to trapped moisture, which can cause water damage, mold growth, and compromised environment control.
Innovation Solution
A draining construction wrap with a drainage framework featuring support struts that create a clearance layer between the inner and outer walls, allowing moisture to flow through drain channels and promoting ventilation, while also providing structural support and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer wall is engaged directly to the construction wrap, then structural support is provided, but moisture drainage is blocked and moisture becomes trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The construction wrap is segmented into multiple functional layers: a moisture impermeable layer, a drainage layer with three-dimensional structure, and a ventilation layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the impermeable layer blocks moisture, the drainage layer channels it away, and the ventilation layer promotes evaporation, resolving the contradiction between structural support and moisture drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage layer with its three-dimensional structure acts as an intermediary between the moisture impermeable layer and the outer wall. It provides the necessary clearance space and drainage pathways while still allowing the outer wall to be supported, mediating between the conflicting requirements of structural integrity and moisture management
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a moisture impermeable layer is used, then water intrusion is minimized, but moisture drainage and evaporation are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three distinct layers with complementary functions: the moisture impermeable layer prevents water intrusion from the exterior, the drainage layer collects and channels moisture away, and the ventilation layer promotes evaporation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing moisture management functions across multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage layer provides continuous drainage pathways and the ventilation layer provides continuous evaporation capability, ensuring that moisture is constantly managed rather than allowed to accumulate. This continuous action prevents moisture buildup despite the presence of the impermeable layer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If linear pliable ridges are added to increase drainage, then moisture flow is improved, but the ridges are deformed by wall engagement and drainage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is separated from the structural support function. The drainage layer with its three-dimensional structure handles moisture channeling, while the ventilation layer and outer wall assembly provide structural support. This segmentation protects the drainage structure from deformation by wall engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional structure of the drainage layer provides localized drainage pathways at specific points and regions, rather than relying on continuous linear ridges that are vulnerable to deformation. This localized approach maintains drainage effectiveness while being more resistant to structural pressures
4Ease of operation
If the construction wrap is made pliable to conform to building features, then installation flexibility is improved, but drainage framework stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The construction wrap is segmented into a pliable moisture impermeable layer that provides installation flexibility and conforms to building features, and a separate drainage layer with three-dimensional structure that provides drainage stability. The pliability of the base layer does not compromise the structural integrity of the drainage framework
Solution Approach 2:
The construction wrap uses a composite structure combining a pliable moisture impermeable layer with a more structured drainage layer. This composite design allows the system to exhibit both the flexibility needed for installation and the stability needed for effective drainage framework
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 solution enhances moisture removal, ventilation, and evaporation, reducing the risk of water damage and mold growth while facilitating construction by combining drainage and structural support in a single system.
Implementation Method 1
Moisture incident on the layer is diverted downwardly (e.g., by gravity)
Implementation Method 2
the engagement between the wrap and the outer wall minimizes ventilation and accordingly decreases evaporation of the trapped moisture
Implementation Method 3
the engagement of the outer wall to the construction wrap (plain wrap or wrap with deformable ridges) enhances capillary action between the outer wall and the construction wrap that traps and retains moisture to the locus of engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A draining construction wrap includes a pliable moisture impermeable layer having interior and exterior surfaces. A drainage framework is configured to channel moisture across the exterior surface of the pliable moisture impermeable layer. The drainage framework includes a plurality of support struts. Each of the support struts includes a base strut portion coupled with the exterior surface, a strut support face, and a strut body extending from the base strut portion to the strut support face. A plurality of drain channels are between the support struts. The draining construction wrap includes an installation surface configured for coupling with an outer wall. The installation surface includes the strut support faces of the plurality of support struts. The strut bodies of the plurality of support struts brace the installation surface and the pliable moisture impermeable layer is recessed from the installation surface with a strut gap therebetween.