Interlocking Corner Flashing for Window Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flashing methods for windows and doors are either costly, difficult to install, or require additional sealing steps, and they either allow water infiltration or fail to efficiently manage air and water vapor transmission, impacting energy efficiency and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A corner flashing system comprising interlocking members with angled sections and continuous flanges, designed for easy installation and efficient water management, including a one-way valve mechanism to allow water drainage while preventing ingress, and fabricated using flexible polymer materials with low permeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional flashing methods are used, then water infiltration can be prevented, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater infiltration preventionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flashing system is divided into multiple interlocking members (first member, second member, third member) with specific geometric shapes. Each member is designed to fit into predetermined positions and interlock with others through complementary edge geometries, enabling simple assembly without complex sealing steps while maintaining reliable water infiltration prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flashing members are pre-formed with specific geometric configurations and interlocking features during manufacturing. The angled sections, continuous flanges, and mating edges are prepared in advance, allowing for straightforward on-site installation where members are simply positioned and interlocked rather than requiring complex field fabrication or sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional sealing steps are required, then sealing effectiveness improves, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged into the structural design of the flashing members themselves. The continuous flanges and interlocking edges provide sealing through the geometry and contact between members rather than requiring separate sealing operations. The mating edges are designed to create water-shedding surfaces that inherently prevent infiltration through their structural configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flashing members are designed to self-seal through their interlocking geometries. The angled sections and continuous flanges automatically create water-shedding surfaces and sealed joints when members are positioned together, eliminating the need for additional sealing materials or steps. The structure itself provides the sealing function through its design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If vapor permeance is increased to allow water drainage, then water removal capability improves, but air and water vapor transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater drainage capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the flashing system have different permeability characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The continuous flanges and interlocking surfaces provide low permeability barriers to prevent air and water vapor transmission in most areas, while specific drainage pathways and angled sections are designed to facilitate controlled water removal. This localized differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both sealing and drainage functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 a cost-effective, easy-to-install flashing system that effectively seals windows and doors, reducing water and air infiltration, enhancing energy efficiency, and ensuring structural integrity by allowing water drainage while preventing water entry.

Implementation Method 1

fabricated using flexible polymer materials with low permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

including a one-way valve mechanism to allow water drainage while preventing ingress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS7788855B2Corner flashing

Publication Date: 2010.09.07 FORTIFIBER CORP

AI summary

A window corner flashing device includes a first and a second member. The first member includes a first section which is disposed adjacent a second section and is angled thereto. The first section and second section have a first edge and second edge, respectively, wherein the first member includes a first continuous flange disposed along the first and second edges of the first and second sections, respectively. The second member includes a first section having a third edge and a second section having a fourth edge. The second member further includes a first continuous mating edge which is disposed along the third and the fourth edge thereof. The first member is affixed to the second member by having the first continuous flange permanently affixed to the first continuous mating edge.