Ledger Board Channel Design for Deck Water Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing decks often result in water leakage due to the high number of fasteners penetrating metal flashing and concrete foundations, increasing the likelihood of fluid ingress into structures.
Innovation Solution
A ledger design featuring a channelled structure with beveled surfaces and strategically placed through-holes that allows fasteners to attach components without penetrating the wall, using shims and weep holes to manage water flow and reduce penetration points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to attach the ledger board and joist hangers to the structure, then the attachment strength and structural stability are improved, but the number of penetration points through the metal flashing and concrete foundation increases, leading to increased water leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary channel structure between the ledger board and the exterior environment. This channel provides a controlled pathway that allows fasteners to attach components while preventing direct water penetration to the concrete foundation. The channel acts as a mediator that reconciles the need for structural attachment with the need to prevent water infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the attachment system by creating a separate channel structure that is distinct from both the ledger board and the foundation. This segmentation allows the fasteners to operate within the channel without directly penetrating the foundation, thereby maintaining attachment strength while reducing water leakage risk through spatial separation of functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ledger board is attached directly to the concrete foundation with multiple fasteners, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of waterproofing and the likelihood of water infiltration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure serves as an intermediary element that simplifies the waterproofing system. Instead of requiring complex waterproofing treatments on direct fastener penetrations through the foundation, the channel provides a pre-formed barrier that naturally prevents water infiltration while allowing straightforward fastener installation for structural attachment.
3Reliability
If fasteners pierce through the metal flashing and rim board to attach the ledger board, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the number of potential water penetration paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the fastener attachment function to a different spatial dimension - within the channel structure rather than through the foundation plane. This dimensional relocation allows fasteners to provide reliable attachment while the channel's three-dimensional form provides inherent water protection that a two-dimensional flashing system cannot achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A ledger configured for attaching to a structure, such as a house or building, is described. The ledger comprises first and second walls, a first ledge joining the first and second walls, and a second ledge also joining the first and second walls. The first and second walls and the first and the second ledges define a channel that separates the first and second walls and separates the first and second ledges. The channel is open at both a first side of the ledger, and a second side of the ledger opposite the first side of the ledger. In some implementations, the ledger further includes a third ledge. The first and second ledges join the second wall on a first side of the second wall. The third ledge is disposed on a second side of the second wall opposite the first side of the second wall.