Expandable Flashing Device With Nested Hems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flashing designs require complex sizing and cutting during installation, are prone to damage during transportation, and lack rigidity and strength, especially at edges, complicating construction and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An expandable flashing device comprising two overlapping pieces with hems on opposite sides that allow sliding engagement, enabling adjustable length without disconnection, providing enhanced rigidity and strength by maintaining connection through nested hems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional flashing pieces are manufactured in long sections, then transportation requires specialized vehicles with sufficient length, but this increases transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing is divided into multiple separate pieces that can be individually transported and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows standard transportation vehicles to be used while still achieving the required total length through assembly of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flashing pieces are nested within one another during storage and transportation, with smaller pieces placed inside larger pieces. This nesting configuration reduces the space required for transportation while maintaining the capability to achieve full extended length during installation.
2Length of moving object
If traditional flashing pieces are manufactured in long sections, then the flashing can cover longer distances, but the exposed edges become bent or disfigured during transportation and handling
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the flashing into multiple shorter pieces, each piece has reduced exposed edge length that is less susceptible to bending and disfiguration during handling. The segmented structure allows each piece to be more robust while achieving the same total coverage through assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flashing pieces with reinforced edges are combined through overlapping and fastening to create a continuous flashing system. The connection between pieces provides mutual support that enhances edge integrity while maintaining the required total length.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flashing pieces are used to achieve required length, then the flashing can be customized to fit structure dimensions, but the complexity of measuring and cutting increases during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing system uses adjustable connections between pieces that allow for dynamic adjustment of the total length and configuration during installation. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for precise pre-cutting and measuring, as the pieces can be easily extended or reconfigured on-site to match the required dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing pieces are designed with standardized connection mechanisms that can be used across different configurations and lengths. This universality simplifies installation by allowing the same pieces and connection methods to be used regardless of the specific dimension requirements, reducing the need for custom measuring and cutting.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional flashing designs are used, then the construction process follows conventional methods, but the edges lack reinforcement and become damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing pieces incorporate localized reinforcement at the edges and connection points while maintaining the simplicity of the main body structure. This local quality enhancement provides targeted strength where it is most needed during handling and installation without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing uses composite construction with different material properties in different regions - stronger materials or structures at the edges and connection areas, and simpler materials in the main body. This composite approach enhances edge strength and durability while keeping the overall design and manufacturing relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable flashing device comprises first and second pieces of flashing material that overlap one another with hems or folded edges located on opposite lateral sides of the pieces that hold the pieces together, yet allow the pieces to slide or shift with respect to one another to selectively change the length of the device. In a first stowed position, the pieces overlap one another and in an expanded second position, the pieces may be pulled apart to increase an overall length of the pieces. The maximum length of material that overlaps between the pieces is defined as the overlap range. The overlap range defines the range to which the device can be shortened or lengthened to fit a particular installation. A flashing system and a method of installing flashing are also disclosed.