Fenestration Corner Key Drainage via Cladding Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fenestration units face challenges in effectively managing moisture without increasing manufacturing costs, part count, or compromising aesthetics, while maintaining structural robustness and weather resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fenestration unit with a frame corner key and cladding aperture forming a weep drainage system that directs moisture away from the unit through a low-profile, compact, and inconspicuous fluid path, utilizing a corner key fluid outlet and a weep outlet integrated into the cladding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water management features are added to fenestration units, then moisture drainage capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to increased part count and manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the water management features directly into the cladding and frame structures. The cladding includes integrated weep holes and drainage channels, while the frame incorporates weatherstripping and drainage passages. This merging eliminates the need for separate water management components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective moisture drainage capability.
2Reliability
If traditional water management features are added to fenestration units, then moisture drainage capability is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates due to bulky or unappealing features
Solution Approach 1:
The water management features are merged with the cladding and frame structures, making them integral parts of the visible fenestration assembly. The weep holes are incorporated into the cladding design, and drainage passages are formed within the frame structure, eliminating the need for bulky external additions. This integration maintains clean visual lines and aesthetic appearance while providing effective moisture drainage.
3Reliability
If water management features are added to fenestration units, then moisture drainage capability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water management features are designed as integral parts of the cladding and frame structures. The drainage passages are formed within the frame members themselves, and the weep holes are incorporated into the cladding design. This integration ensures that the structural members maintain their full strength and load-bearing capacity while providing effective water drainage pathways, avoiding the need for separate attachment components that could compromise structural integrity.
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
The solution provides effective moisture drainage, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and maintains structural robustness and visual appeal, ensuring efficient and weather-resistant moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fenestration unit includes a frame corner key that includes a corner key fluid outlet and a cladding having an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet. The fenestration unit also includes a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit.