Fascia Gutter System for Insulated Panel Water Management

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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, open to channels and ducts, allows water to flow into and be removed from the gutter, reducing seal exposure and eliminating the need for wrapping kits, while providing support without extending the covering's boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If wrapping kits are used to cover gutters, then the appearance is improved and joints are sealed, but the system adds weight, cost, and additional failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the wrapping kit component entirely by integrating gutter functionality directly into the panel system. The gutter is formed as an integral part of the panel assembly, eliminating the need for separate wrapping kits that add weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gutter and panel structures are merged into a single integrated assembly. The gutter forms part of the panel's structural system, combining what were previously separate components (panels and wrapping kits) into one unified structure that reduces overall weight and part count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If wrapping kits are used to cover gutters, then the appearance is improved, but the complexity of the system increases with more sealing points

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the wrapping kit component and its associated sealing requirements by integrating gutter functionality directly into the panel system, thereby reducing the number of sealing points and overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the gutter and panel structures into an integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components and sealing interfaces required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining appearance quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If internal seals are used in joints, then water accumulation is prevented initially, but the seals deteriorate over time due to water exposure and biological growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater preventionVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes internal seals from the joint system by providing drainage channels that allow water to escape freely. This eliminates the seals that would otherwise deteriorate from water exposure and biological growth, extending the system's lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water accumulation (which causes seal deterioration) into a beneficial drainage system. By providing escape paths for water through channels, the system prevents water damage without requiring seals that would themselves deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If water is allowed to accumulate in ducts and channels, then the seals are protected initially, but overflow occurs when seals deteriorate, causing leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal protectionVSAvoidoverflow and leaks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the reliance on seals for water containment by providing open drainage channels. Water is allowed to flow freely through the channels and ducts without accumulation, eliminating the overflow problem that occurs when seals deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of water accumulation into a beneficial continuous drainage system. Water flows continuously through open channels rather than being contained by seals, preventing both accumulation and subsequent overflow leaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 minimizing seal exposure to water, preventing overflow, and allowing for increased column spacing without the added weight and cost of wrapping kits, while maintaining structural integrity and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

Water will run off the top of the joined insulated panels 2 and collect in the gutter 160

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10858836B2Fascia gutter system and coverings using the same

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 ADAMS MIKE

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. An opening is defined by the ledge and the protrusion.