Drip Gutter Channel Structure for Lateral Water Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drip guards direct water flowing from above openings like windows and doors directly over the opening, which can be undesirable, especially when positioned over doorways or windows, and existing roof gutters are often too far to effectively manage water ingress.
Innovation Solution
Drip gutters with a vertical member, horizontal member, and vertical lip that form an open-topped drainage channel, directing water laterally away from the opening, and including features like horizontal protrusions and ribs for enhanced support and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional drip guards are used to divert water away from openings, then water diversion function is provided, but water is directed directly over the opening which causes water ingress problems
Solution Approach 1:
The drip gutter transitions from a simple horizontal barrier to a three-dimensional structure with vertical members and drainage channels. The vertical members create height differences that channel water laterally away from the opening through gravity-driven flow paths, preventing direct overflow while maintaining diversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical members and drainage channels act as intermediary structures between the incoming water and the opening. These intermediate elements redirect water flow through controlled paths, serving as a mediator that prevents water from directly reaching the opening while maintaining the diversion function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If roof gutters are positioned to manage water ingress, then water diversion is improved, but they are too far from openings to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The drip gutter system is segmented into multiple functional components: vertical members for support and water channeling, horizontal members for lateral diversion, and drainage channels for water flow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively close to the opening, replacing the need for a single distant roof gutter.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing vertical dimensions through the vertical members and drainage channels, the system creates effective water diversion close to the opening. The vertical components establish gravity-driven flow paths that laterally redirect water, enabling effective water management without requiring distance from the opening.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If drip guards are positioned close to openings, then water diversion effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical members, horizontal members, and drainage channels are merged into an integrated drip gutter assembly that functions as a single unified structure. This merging allows the complex water diversion function to be achieved through coordinated action of integrated components rather than separate elements, reducing overall system complexity.
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 diverts water laterally away from openings, preventing it from dripping over doors or windows and improving water management around structures.
Implementation Method 1
The horizontal member may slope downward from the vertical member to the vertical lip
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present technology may encompass drip gutters. The drip gutters may include a vertical member. The drip gutters may include a horizontal member extending laterally outward from the vertical member. At least a portion of the vertical member may extend upward above the horizontal member. The drip gutters may include a vertical lip extending upward from a surface of the horizonal member and laterally spaced apart from the vertical member such that an open-topped drainage channel is formed between the vertical member, the horizontal member, and the vertical lip.