Parapet Wall Waterproofing Membrane with Flap Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for waterproofing parapet walls on roofs are inadequate in allowing moisture to escape and managing wind pressure, leading to potential water accumulation and structural issues.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a waterproofing membrane with a flap valve positioned between the surface cap and the roof, extending along the interior surfaces of parapet walls, allowing moisture to escape and utilizing wind pressure equalization to facilitate drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproofing membrane is applied to parapet walls to prevent water penetration, then water resistance is improved, but moisture accumulation occurs behind the membrane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidmoisture accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the moisture from behind the waterproofing membrane by providing dedicated drainage channels and outlet openings. The system separates the waterproofing function from the moisture management function, allowing the membrane to maintain water resistance while extracted moisture is channeled out through the drainage system to prevent accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system consisting of drainage channels, outlet openings, and optionally a drainage mat positioned between the waterproofing membrane and the parapet wall. This intermediary structure mediates between the waterproofing membrane and the external environment, providing a controlled path for moisture to escape without compromising the waterproofing barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the waterproofing membrane is sealed tightly to the parapet wall to improve waterproofing, then water resistance is improved, but wind pressure equalization is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing effectivenessVSAvoidwind pressure differential
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the sealing characteristics at different locations of the waterproofing membrane. The membrane is sealed to the parapet wall at the upper portion to maintain waterproofing effectiveness, while the lower portion near the outlet opening is left unsealed or provided with gaps to allow wind pressure equalization and moisture drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics by allowing the waterproofing membrane to be flexible and adaptable to pressure differentials. The membrane can deform or adjust its position in response to wind pressure changes, and the drainage system dynamically responds to moisture accumulation by activating drainage flow when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If drainage outlets are provided at the base of the parapet wall to remove moisture, then moisture removal is improved, but water penetration risk increases at the outlet locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture removalVSAvoidwater penetration at outlets
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a drainage mat or pre-drained layer positioned behind the waterproofing membrane that collects moisture before it reaches the outlet openings. This preliminary drainage action prevents water from accumulating behind the membrane and reduces the likelihood of water penetration at the outlet locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating a drainage mat or protective layer behind the waterproofing membrane that acts as a buffer or cushion against water pressure. This cushioning layer prevents water from forcing its way through the outlet openings by distributing and reducing the water pressure before it reaches the critical outlet points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Effectively prevents water accumulation by allowing moisture to escape and equalizing wind pressure, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the waterproofing system.

Implementation Method 1

configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor transmission: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

providing a flap valve in the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof... equalizing wind pressure on the at least one waterproofing membrane via the providing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7594369B2System and method for waterproofing parapet walls
Publication Date: 2009.09.29 KELLY THOMAS L
  • US7594369B2 patent drawing
  • US7594369B2 patent drawing
  • US7594369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a system for waterproofing interior surfaces of parapet walls disposed on a roof, wherein the parapet walls include an interior surface counter flashing and a surface cap. The system includes at least one waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls, wherein the at least one waterproofing membrane is disposed to extend at least a portion of a distance along the interior surfaces from the surface cap to the roof from which the parapet walls extend. The system also includes a flap valve defined by the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof.