Multi-purpose Screed Device for Exterior Wall Ventilation and Drainage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screed devices for building exterior walls require different designs for various functions, leading to increased complexity and construction costs due to the need for multiple accessories at different locations, which complicates installation and increases expenses.

Innovation Solution

A multi-purpose screed device with a wall cladding section, plaster support section, end ventilation section, and guard and gauge section, featuring strategically placed openings for drainage and ventilation, designed to accommodate rain screen layers and various exterior wall materials, allowing for versatile installation at different locations on exterior walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different screed devices are used for different locations (foundation, soffit, overhang), then each location achieves its specific function, but device complexity and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screed device is designed with multiple functional sections (foundation weep section, soffit ventilation section, overhang weep section) integrated into a single unit, allowing it to perform drainage and ventilation functions at different wall locations. The device includes a first section for foundation weep, second section for soffit ventilation, and third section for overhang weep, each with appropriately positioned openings and structural features to fulfill its specific function while being part of one unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The screed device is divided into distinct functional sections along its length, with each section designed for a specific location and function. The device includes a first section for foundation weep, second section for soffit ventilation, and third section for overhang weep. Each section has specific openings (first openings near the first end, second openings near the second end, third openings near the third end) and structural features tailored to its intended use, allowing the single device to be segmented functionally while remaining as one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are used at different locations, then specific functions are achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screed device consolidates multiple functions (foundation weep, soffit ventilation, overhang weep) into a single universal component that can be installed at different locations along the exterior wall. The device includes a first section for foundation weep, second section for soffit ventilation, and third section for overhang weep, each with appropriately positioned openings and structural features to fulfill its specific function while being part of one unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple previously separate screed devices and accessories into a single integrated screed device. The device combines the foundation weep section, soffit ventilation section, and overhang weep section into one unified component, eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories and simplifying installation to a single operation rather than multiple separate installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screed devices are stocked for different locations, then all functions are covered, but construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional coverageVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The screed device is designed with multiple functional sections (foundation weep section, soffit ventilation section, overhang weep section) integrated into a single unit, allowing it to perform drainage and ventilation functions at different wall locations. The device includes a first section for foundation weep, second section for soffit ventilation, and third section for overhang weep, each with appropriately positioned openings and structural features to fulfill its specific function while being part of one unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple previously separate screed devices and accessories into a single integrated screed device. The device combines the foundation weep section, soffit ventilation section, and overhang weep section into one unified component, eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories and simplifying installation to a single operation rather than multiple separate installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240328167A1Multi-purpose screed device / exterior wall cavity ventilation system

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 HONORE III BRUCE

AI summary

Embodiments of the represent disclosure provides a multi-purpose screed device suitable to provide draining and/or ventilation at various locations of exterior walls in a building. The multi-purpose screed device is compatible with exterior walls with a rain screen disposed outside a weather-resistant barrier layer. The multi-purpose screed device may use a foundation weep screed, overhang soffit screed, and soffit ventilation.