Elevated Base Plate Device for Basement Water Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Basements often experience water infiltration due to improper drainage, which can lead to damage to walls constructed on concrete floors, as water can seep into the walls and cause mold growth and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A device that elevates the base plate for wall construction, allowing it to sit above the concrete floor, thereby preventing direct contact with water, enhancing airflow, and reducing mold growth. The device is made from materials such as PVC and includes drainage holes and support structures to secure the base plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base plate is set directly on the concrete floor, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but water infiltration damages the wall materials and causes mold growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (elevation system with legs) between the base plate and concrete floor to prevent direct contact with water. This mediator elevates the base plate above the floor surface, creating a barrier against water infiltration while maintaining structural integrity and preventing mold growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the water contact problem by transitioning from a two-dimensional contact (base plate on floor) to a three-dimensional solution (elevating base plate vertically above the floor). The elevation legs create vertical separation, removing the base plate from the harmful horizontal plane where water accumulates.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the base plate is elevated above the concrete floor, then water contact is prevented and mold growth is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive elevation legs made from basic materials that can be easily manufactured and installed. These legs serve as temporary protective elements during the critical period when water infiltration risk is highest, providing effective protection without requiring complex or expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate incorporates drainage holes that allow water to pass through, preventing water accumulation behind the base plate. This porous feature enables controlled water management, allowing moisture to escape while still providing a barrier against direct water contact with the wall framing materials.
3Reliability
If drainage holes are added to the base plate, then water accumulation is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the drainage holes by adjusting key parameters such as hole diameter, spacing, and distribution pattern. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves effective water drainage without requiring excessive manufacturing precision. The hole dimensions and spacing are optimized to balance drainage performance with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrated views of an exemplary elevated base plate for elevated a base plate from a concrete floor such as a basement, slab, etc. is presented. The elevated base plate is useful preventing leakage or other water from coming into contact with wood, drywall, paneling, etc. forming a wall. The elevated base plate is further useful for allowing a better air flow around the wall and base plate. Further, the elevated base plate 100 is useful for preventing or controlling the growth of mold.