Integrated Sump Drain Ramp for Roof Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roofing drainage systems are prone to leaks due to differences in thermal expansion of components, leading to water intrusion and potential structural failures, and are costly and time-consuming to install.

Innovation Solution

A sump drain apparatus with a single, continuous structure comprising a drain inlet, ramp, and attachment portion, featuring insulation beneath the ramp and a roof membrane coupled to the second land, which directs drainage water efficiently and reduces the likelihood of leaks by minimizing the concentration of water at mating points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multi-component drainage systems are used, then drainage function is achieved, but leak risk increases due to thermal expansion differences at mating points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak preventionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (drain inlet, ramp, attachment portion, and insulation) into a single integrated sump drain apparatus. This merging eliminates the mating points between separate components that were prone to leaking due to thermal expansion differences, while maintaining all necessary drainage functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If conventional drainage systems with multiple components are used, then drainage function is achieved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple components into a single apparatus reduces the number of installation steps, eliminates the need for precise alignment and sealing between multiple parts, and simplifies the overall installation process, thereby reducing both time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If water is concentrated at mating points in conventional systems, then drainage function is achieved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to water intrusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidwater concentration at mating points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic mating points between separate components by integrating them into a single piece. The continuous structure eliminates the interfaces where water could concentrate and penetrate, thereby protecting structural integrity while maintaining drainage functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 structural issues by directing water away from critical mating points, simplifying installation, and reducing manufacturing and installation costs while ensuring 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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a ramp connected to the drain bowl comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentUS11634910B2Sump drain apparatus, system, and method of construction
Publication Date: 2023.04.25 JMH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC
  • US11634910B2 patent drawing
  • US11634910B2 patent drawing
  • US11634910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sump drain apparatus comprising a drain inlet and a ramp coupled to the drain inlet comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl, wherein at least a portion of the ramp is configured to be positioned on top of a roof deck.