Modular Foundation Crack Sealing Panels for Minimal Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation crack repair methods are either costly and damaging due to excavation or inefficient when repairing from the inside, particularly in reaching the exterior side of the crack.
Innovation Solution
A modular covering panel system comprising starter and main panel modules with interlocking sides and a bezeled edge for easy insertion, forming a rigid open-top pocket to receive hardening sealing material, creating a waterproof barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excavation is performed to access the foundation crack, then the foundation can be effectively repaired, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and damaging to the surrounding area
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the foundation into segments by inserting modular panel modules at specific locations along the crack. These panels create localized repair zones that define pockets for sealing material, allowing targeted repair without excavating the entire foundation area. The modular nature enables selective placement at critical crack sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel modules serve as intermediary structures between the exterior and interior of the foundation. They create a bridging mechanism that allows sealing material to be introduced from the interior side while effectively sealing cracks that extend to the exterior, eliminating the need for exterior excavation access.
2Ease of manufacture
If the foundation is repaired from the inside by filling the crack with hardening liquid, then the process is less costly, but it is rarely 100 percent efficient in reaching the exterior side of the crack
Solution Approach 1:
The panel modules act as intermediaries that extend the reach of interior-applied sealing material to the exterior crack surfaces. The panels create defined pockets that guide and contain the hardening liquid, ensuring it reaches all necessary areas including the exterior side of the crack, thereby achieving complete sealing from the interior side only.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel modules are inserted into the ground and positioned against the foundation crack before the sealing material is applied. This preliminary action creates pre-formed pockets and channels that direct the subsequent flow of hardening liquid, ensuring complete coverage of the crack path including exterior portions that would otherwise be inaccessible.
3Reliability
If modular panel modules are inserted to define a rigid pocket for sealing material, then complete crack sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple simple modular panel modules rather than a single complex structure. Each module is relatively simple in design with interlocking features, but collectively they form the complete repair system. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, handling, and installation compared to a monolithic complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel modules are designed as universal components that can be used for various crack locations and configurations. Each module serves multiple functions: providing structural support, defining the sealing pocket, guiding material flow, and creating interlocking assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different repair scenarios.
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 system effectively seals foundation cracks with minimal excavation, providing a durable waterproof barrier while reducing costs and damage to the surrounding area.
Implementation Method 1
receive a hardening sealing material so as to define a waterproof barrier on the foundation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for sealing or preventing a crack in a foundation includes a modular covering panel having a bezeled lower edge defining a blade to ease insertion and lowering of the covering panel in a ground along a foundation, in contact therewith. The modular covering panel being configured to define a rigid open-top pocket on the foundation to receive a hardening sealing material so as to define a waterproof barrier on the cracked wall. The covering panel is formed with starter and main panel modules which are inserted in the ground flush along the foundation one row after another, and for each row, in sequence, a starter panel module and then a plurality of main panel modules coplanar one on top of the other.