Functional Layer Roofing Membrane Barrier Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fully adhered roof systems require a fiber-based barrier layer for long-term compatibility, which increases production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device comprising a waterproofing layer and a functional layer with a thermoplastic polymer and solid particulate filler, replacing the fiber-based barrier layer, ensures compatibility and reduces production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fiber-based barrier layer is used to ensure long-term compatibility, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term compatibilityVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fiber-based barrier layer from the roofing membrane structure. Instead of using traditional fiber-based materials (scrim, mesh, or fabric layers), the invention uses a functional layer comprising a polymeric adhesive composition that directly provides both the barrier function and the bonding function, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer with polymeric adhesive composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier layer, provides adhesive bonding capability, and eliminates the need for separate fiber reinforcement layers. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity while maintaining the long-term compatibility and reliability previously achieved through separate specialized layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fiber-based barrier layer is used to ensure long-term compatibility, then reliability is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term compatibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the barrier layer and adhesive layer into a single integrated functional layer. The polymeric adhesive composition is applied directly to the waterproofing layer, eliminating the need for separate fiber-based barrier layers and reducing material costs while maintaining the reliability of long-term compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex fiber-based barrier layers with a more economical polymeric adhesive composition that achieves the same protective function. The functional layer uses cost-effective polymeric materials that provide sufficient barrier and bonding properties without requiring costly fiber reinforcements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If mechanical fastening is used to provide high strength bonding, then strength is improved, but the membrane becomes susceptible to flutter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidflutter susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or barbed plates) with a fully adhered system using a polymeric adhesive composition. The adhesive provides continuous bonding across the entire membrane surface, eliminating the discrete attachment points that cause flutter while maintaining high bonding strength through chemical adhesion rather than mechanical fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11459761B2Roofing membrane with a functional layer

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

A sealing device including a waterproofing layer, a functional layer, and a reinforcement layer fully embedded into the waterproofing layer or located between the waterproofing layer and the functional layer and/or a second waterproofing layer located on the outward facing side of the waterproofing layer opposite the side of the functional layer. Further, a method for producing a sealing device, to a method for waterproofing a substrate using one or more sealing devices, and to a roof system comprising a roof substrate and a sealing device directly adhered to the surface of the roof substrate with a layer of adhesive.