Inside Corner Gutter Piece 45-Degree Flow Diverter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rain gutter systems at inside corners on roofs experience overflow issues due to the high volume and velocity of rainwater flow from intersecting roof sections, with existing solutions either being incomplete in preventing overflows or requiring additional components like extra downspouts.

Innovation Solution

An inside corner gutter piece with a 45° outer wall and lip design that extends across the corner, directing rainwater flow back into the gutter system by creating a greater distance for water to travel before encountering the wall, which is designed to match conventional gutter sections for seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If upright baffle pieces are placed across the corner of the cover to deflect flow back into the gutter system, then overflow is reduced, but heavy rain still results in overflows making them not completely effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverflow prevention effectivenessVSAvoidgutter component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional upright baffles to a three-dimensional elevated corner structure with vertical walls extending upward from the gutter bottom. This vertical dimension creates additional flow containment space and prevents overflows by providing a higher barrier that heavy rain cannot easily overcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner piece is divided into distinct functional segments: an elevated bottom portion for flow containment, vertical side walls for deflection, and a top surface for water distribution. Each segment performs a specific function in managing the water flow, making the overall structure more effective than a single monolithic baffle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a horizontal diverter baffle is placed on top of the corner screen, then flow direction is changed, but the velocity of water flow in a downpour deflects water off the diverter and onto the ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow direction controlVSAvoidflow containment during heavy rain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a vertical dimension by extending walls upward from the gutter bottom, creating a three-dimensional containment structure. This vertical barrier prevents high-velocity water from deflecting off horizontal surfaces and escaping, as the water must now contend with the vertical wall height rather than simply overshooting a horizontal baffle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the high-velocity water flow, which was previously causing problems by deflecting off baffles, into a beneficial force by using the elevated corner structure to channel and contain this energetic flow. The vertical walls harness the water's momentum and redirect it systematically into the gutter system rather than allowing random deflection.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If a downspout is provided at the inside corner to collect and immediately drain away the flow, then overflow is reduced, but an extra downspout is required increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverflow preventionVSAvoidnumber of downspouts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevated corner piece performs multiple functions: it contains overflow, deflects water flow back into the gutter system, and distributes water to adjacent gutter sections. This multi-functional structure eliminates the need for separate downspouts at each corner, as the corner pieces themselves become the primary overflow management mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the overflow containment function with the existing gutter corner structure by elevating the bottom portion and adding vertical walls. This integration combines what would traditionally be separate components (corner piece and overflow management device) into a single unified structure, reducing the total number of parts needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of stationary object

If a 45° extending wall is provided at the corner to increase gutter capacity, then overflow is reduced, but the cover may cause deflection of water flow off the cover and out of the gutter system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegutter capacity at cornerVSAvoidwater flow containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the corner piece: the bottom portion is elevated for flow containment, the side walls are vertical for deflection, and the top surface is angled for water distribution. This localized differentiation of structural properties optimizes each region's function in managing water flow while maintaining overall containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9062460B2Inside corner gutter piece

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 DEHART SR JIMMY J

AI summary

An inside corner gutter piece for a roof gutter system having an angled outer wall of a center segment extending at a 45 degree angle to outer walls of two straight end segments, the outer wall of the center segment acting as a flow diverter for directing rain runoff from a roof valley into connected straight gutter sections, with a top and down turned edge acting to block a rainwater off-flow stream from flowing up and out of the outer wall of the inside corner gutter piece.