Modular Vent Pipe Shield for Leak-Proof Roof Flashing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent stack systems face issues with flashing deterioration and animal damage, leading to leaks, and current cover solutions are often incompatible with varied roof pitches and raised crowns, requiring multiple sizes and insecure attachments.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece weatherproof cover system comprising a cylindrical sheath with friction rings and a flaring boot portion, along with an alignment device, that fits various vent pipe sizes and roof pitches, providing a secure, leak-proof seal without the need for additional attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-size cover is used for vent pipes, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but it cannot accommodate vent pipes of varying heights and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a base portion and a cylindrical portion that can be separated and reconfigured. The cylindrical portion can be positioned in different orientations (upright or inverted) and combined with different base portions to create multiple effective cover heights and configurations from a single set of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design allows the cylindrical portion to be dynamically repositioned between upright and inverted orientations, and the ability to combine with different base portions enables the same components to adapt to varying vent pipe heights and roof pitches without requiring multiple fixed-size covers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cover sizes are provided to accommodate different vent pipe heights, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single cylindrical portion can serve multiple functions by being positioned in different orientations and combined with different base portions. This universal component can replace multiple specialized covers of different heights, reducing the total number of unique cover types needed in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows components to be nested or combined in different configurations - the cylindrical portion fits over vent pipes of various sizes, and different base portions can be attached to create the appropriate overall height and roof pitch accommodation, effectively nesting multiple cover functions within a single component set.
3Reliability
If attachment means are added to secure the cover, then reliability in high winds improves, but ease of installation and leakage risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cover design uses self-gripping friction surfaces between the base portion and cylindrical portion, along with friction between the cover and vent pipe, to secure itself without requiring additional attachment means. The friction-based holding mechanism maintains reliability in high winds while keeping installation simple and avoiding extra components that could leak.
4Reliability
If a raised crown is present around the vent stack base, then flashing protection is improved, but compatibility with standard covers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the base portion and cylindrical portion allows the base portion to be customized or selected to match different flashing configurations, including raised crowns. This segmentation enables the cover system to adapt to various flashing styles without compromising the overall cover functionality or weatherproofing performance.
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 seals vent pipes on both new and existing installations, withstands high winds, and adapts to different roof configurations, offering a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for vent stack weatherproofing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more friction rings on the inner diameter for grabbing an outer diameter of the vent pipe
Implementation Method 2
a friction gripping surface on at least a portion of the outer diameter of the sheath for grabbing an inner diameter of a second portion of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vent pipe protection cover for repairing damaged flashing or for any new construction for waterproofing the vent pipe. A two piece construction which allows one device to accommodate roof pitches and various size vent pipes without the need to custom make the device is disclosed.