Pitch Pocket Insert for Roof Penetration Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing pitch pockets on roofs using pourable sealant and unconventional fill materials lead to increased potential failure due to incompatibility and cracking, resulting in leakage issues and prolonged curing times.
Innovation Solution
An insert for a pitch pocket system comprising two lightweight fully dried concrete portions with openings, configured to form a larger opening to receive roof penetrations, which are receptive to pourable sealants, reducing the need for excess sealant and minimizing incompatibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If unconventional fill materials (granules, sand, rags, gravel, scrap pieces) are used to reduce pourable sealant usage, then the amount of sealant needed is reduced, but the reliability of the pitch pocket decreases due to incompatibility and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized insert as an intermediary component between the pitch pocket and the pourable sealant. This insert is specifically designed to be compatible with the sealant chemistry, creating a reliable bonding interface that prevents cracking and leakage while reducing the overall sealant quantity needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert changes the physical and chemical parameters of the pitch pocket interior surface, providing a optimized substrate that enhances sealant adhesion. This parameter modification ensures compatible interaction between the sealant and the insert material, eliminating the cracking issues associated with unconventional fill materials.
2Reliability
If pourable sealant is used to seal the pitch pocket, then the pitch pocket can be sealed, but the curing time is prolonged and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-prepared and positioned within the pitch pocket before applying the pourable sealant. This preliminary action creates an optimized surface that accelerates the curing process and ensures proper seal formation, thereby reducing the overall installation and curing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as a catalyst or mediator that facilitates faster curing of the pourable sealant. By providing a chemically compatible surface, the insert accelerates the curing reaction, reducing the time required for the seal to reach full strength and functionality.
3Reliability
If excess pourable sealant is used to ensure proper sealing, then the seal integrity is improved, but the material usage increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The insert serves as a mediator that enables effective sealing with reduced sealant quantities. By providing a optimized bonding surface, the insert ensures proper seal integrity without requiring excess sealant, thereby minimizing material waste and loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert modifies the surface parameters of the pitch pocket to enhance sealant adhesion and distribution efficiency. This parameter change allows the sealant to bond more effectively with smaller quantities, reducing material usage while maintaining seal integrity.
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 insert facilitates faster installation and reduced curing time for the sealant, while ensuring consistent adhesion and minimizing leaks by forming a secure seal around roof penetrations with reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
the first insert portion and the second insert portion comprise a material receptive to a pourable sealant
Data Source
AI summary
This invention, in embodiments, relates to an insert for a pitch pocket, with the insert comprising a first insert portion having an opening, and a second insert portion having an opening, wherein the first insert portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to the second insert portion in the pitch pocket, such that the opening of the first insert portion is positioned adjacent to the opening of the second insert portion in order to form a larger opening configured to receive a roof penetration. This invention, in embodiments, further relates to a pitch pocket system, a pitch pocket kit, and a method for installing a pitch pocket around a roof penetration.