Eavestrough Cover Apertures and Locking Side Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Eavestroughs face issues with debris accumulation and staining on the front wall due to poor water management and paint quality, especially during heavy rainfall and over time.

Innovation Solution

A cover design for eavestroughs with a central planar portion, apertured for drainage, and side structures that lock and abut the eavestrough walls to secure the cover in place, minimizing rain drips and using a resistant finish to prevent staining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a cover with apertures is provided to allow water passage, then water drainage is improved, but debris may enter the eavestrough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater drainage efficiencyVSAvoiddebris entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into a central planar portion with apertures for water drainage and side structures that extend along the eavestrough. This segmentation allows the central portion to optimize water flow while the side structures provide debris protection along the edges where water flow is less intense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cover have different properties: the central planar portion has apertures optimized for water drainage, while the side structures are designed to abut and lock with the eavestrough walls to prevent debris entry. Each region is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is securely attached to the eavestrough, then debris protection is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris protectionVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side structures incorporate movable elements that allow the cover to be easily installed and removed. The locking mechanism with the eavestrough walls provides secure attachment during use but allows for simple installation and maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If rainwater flows directly down the front wall, then water management is simple, but staining occurs on the eavestrough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater management systemVSAvoidstaining

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover acts as an intermediary element between the roof and the eavestrough front wall. It controls water flow to enter through the apertures rather than flowing down the front wall, preventing staining while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8099908B2Anti-streak cover for eavestrough

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 BROCHU GUY

AI summary

An eavestrough cover designed to cover the upper front wall portions of a conventional eavestrough and which has a finish to minimize streaking or staining. The eavestrough cover snaps into position on the eavestrough.