Fascia Gutter Water Management for Insulated Panel Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated panel coverings face issues with water accumulation and overflow due to deteriorating internal seals, leading to reduced lifespan, and the use of wrapping kits adds weight, cost, and potential failure points, while not providing adequate support.
Innovation Solution
Employing a fascia gutter that runs transverse to the joint, allowing water to flow into it and be removed, thereby reducing seal exposure to water and eliminating the need for wrapping kits, while maintaining structural integrity and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal seals are applied to joints to prevent water leakage, then water tightness is improved, but the seals deteriorate over time due to water accumulation and exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water accumulation problem from the joint system by introducing a drainage channel that actively removes water. Instead of relying solely on seals to block water, the system creates a dedicated pathway for water to escape the joint area, preventing the seals from being subjected to continuous water exposure and deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channel acts as an intermediary element between the joint and the exterior. It provides a controlled route for water to travel from the joint interior to the outside, mediating the interaction between water and the seals by preventing direct contact and accumulation that would otherwise degrade the seal materials.
2Reliability
If wrapping kits are used to seal joints and prevent water escape, then water tightness is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water management function from the wrapping kit by implementing a dedicated drainage channel system. This allows the wrapping kit to be simplified or eliminated entirely, as the drainage channel provides the necessary water escape pathway without requiring the additional weight and material of a comprehensive wrapping kit.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a wrapping kit that attempts to seal everything, the patent creates a simplified system where the drainage channel copies the essential function of water removal without the unnecessary complexity and weight of a full wrapping kit. The focus is on copying the water escape function rather than replicating the complete sealing system.
3Shape
If wrapping kits are applied to extend covering borders, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support requirement from the wrapping kit by implementing a drainage channel that is integrated into the existing covering structure. This allows the covering to extend its borders aesthetically without requiring additional support structures, as the drainage channel provides the necessary functionality within the existing structural 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
This solution extends the lifespan of the covering by reducing seal exposure to water, preventing overflow, and allowing for more efficient water evacuation, while also enabling column placement closer to the perimeter without the need for additional support structures.
Implementation Method 1
water to flow into it and be removed
Data Source
AI summary
A covering employing a fascia gutter is disclosed. The fascia gutter includes a front member, bottom member, a rear member, a ledge, a guiding groove, a protrusion and a receiving space. The bottom member connects the front member to the rear member. The receiving space is defined by the front member, the bottom member, and the rear member. The ledge is connected to the rear member, and the guiding groove is defined in the ledge. An opening is defined by the ledge and the protrusion.