Integrated Sump Drain Ramp for Roof Leak Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roofing drainage systems are prone to leaks due to differences in thermal expansion of components, leading to seal deterioration and water intrusion, and are costly and difficult to install correctly, with potential structural failures from standing water.
Innovation Solution
A single, continuous sump drain apparatus with an incline ramp and attachment flange, integrated insulation, and a drain bowl, which redirects water efficiently and reduces the likelihood of leaks by moving the membrane away from the drain pipe, thus preventing water accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-component drainage systems are used, then drainage function is achieved, but leak risk increases due to seal deterioration from thermal expansion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (drain bowl, ramp, attachment flange, insulation) into a single integrated sump drain apparatus. This merging eliminates the mating points between components that were prone to sealing failures due to thermal expansion differences, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If membrane is positioned near drain pipe, then drainage efficiency is improved, but water accumulation and structural failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the membrane at the periphery of the ramp structure rather than directly at the drain pipe center, effectively moving it to a different spatial dimension. This peripheral positioning allows efficient water drainage toward the center while preventing water accumulation near the membrane, resolving the contradiction between drainage efficiency and water accumulation risk.
3Ease of operation
If conventional drainage systems are installed, then drainage function is provided, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of insulation, ramp, attachment flange, and drain bowl into a single pre-assembled unit dramatically simplifies installation. Instead of installing multiple separate components with complex sealing requirements, the merged apparatus requires a single installation process, directly improving ease of operation while reducing installation complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated apparatus that can be manufactured as one unit. This approach reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly operations required, thereby reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty despite the increased complexity of the integrated structure.
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 effectively prevents leaks and reduces installation complexity, ensuring a watertight seal and easier manufacturing, while maintaining necessary insulation and compliance with construction codes.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp connected to the drain bowl comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sump drain apparatus comprising a drain bowl, a ramp connected to the drain bowl comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl, and an attachment flange connected to the ramp and configured to couple the sump drain apparatus to a roof deck, wherein the ramp is configured to be positioned on top of the roof deck and contain sump insulation beneath the ramp and above the roof deck.