Laminate System Resilient Gasket Water Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminate systems fail to effectively prevent water from penetrating substrate materials during building construction, as they lack a seal or gasket between the flashing panel and exterior material, leading to moisture leakage.
Innovation Solution
A laminate system comprising a substantially waterproof/water-resistant membrane secured to a rigid backer, with a resilient material compressing to ensure a secure seal, and optional peel away sheets to expose adhesive properties for installation, creating a gasket or drain trough to prevent water intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flashing panel is used without a seal or gasket, then the device complexity is reduced, but water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the flashing panel and the exterior material. This membrane acts as a mediator that prevents water penetration while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction by adding a functional layer without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple materials (flashing panel, waterproof membrane, adhesive) into a composite structure. This composite approach enhances water resistance by layering materials with complementary properties, while the integrated design keeps the overall structure relatively simple
2Reliability
If a waterproof membrane is placed on the exterior of the flashing unit, then water resistance is improved, but the membrane is exposed to climatic conditions causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane is nested between the flashing panel and the exterior material, creating a protected inner layer. This nesting configuration shields the membrane from direct exposure to harsh climatic conditions while maintaining its waterproof function, thereby extending its service life
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is positioned to create a protective barrier before water or debris can reach the flashing panel. This preemptive positioning cushions the system against water infiltration and environmental damage, preserving both water resistance and durability
3Device complexity
If no seal or gasket is created between the sheet and exterior material, then the device complexity is reduced, but moisture and debris can leak into the flashing and substrate materials
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane serves as an intermediary sealing layer between the flashing panel and exterior material. It prevents moisture and debris infiltration without requiring complex gasket systems, maintaining simplicity while providing effective protection
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible waterproof membrane is used to create the seal between components. This thin film approach provides effective moisture and debris prevention while maintaining structural flexibility and avoiding the complexity of rigid gasket systems
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 laminate system effectively prevents water penetration between exterior and substrate materials by securely forcing the waterproof membrane against the exterior material, even with imperfections, thereby ensuring a reliable seal and reducing moisture accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient material is disposed between the rigid backer and the substantially waterproof/water-resistant membrane. As the laminate system is sandwiched between the substrate material and exterior material, the resilient material compresses. The recoil of the resilient material ensures that the substantially waterproof/water-resistant membrane is securely forced against the exterior material
Data Source
AI summary
A laminate system for use in building construction adapted to be positioned between a substrate material and an exterior material to avert the passage of water between the exterior material and the substrate material. The laminate system includes any combination of a rigid backer, a gasket, one or more substantially waterproof/water-resistant membrane, and one or more peel away sheets entirely covering the one or more membranes.