Polymeric Membrane Fastener Seals Sheathing Penetration Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for sheathing boards are inefficient in preventing water intrusion and deterioration at penetration points, and current solutions are labor-intensive or unstable under UV and temperature variations.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system using a feedband with interconnected polymeric membranes and a powered drill to drive fasteners, creating a chemical bond between the membranes and the sheathing board's polymeric compound, thereby sealing the penetration point and preventing water intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If caulk or tape is used to seal the penetration point, then water resistance is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and the fastening function into a single integrated fastener assembly. The membrane is pre-attached to the fastener head, so that one action of driving the fastener simultaneously achieves both mechanical fastening and water sealing, eliminating the need for separate caulking or taping steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane is pre-positioned on the fastener head before installation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the sealing element is already in place and correctly oriented, so that the sealing action occurs automatically during the fastening process without requiring additional manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If building felt or rap is used to cover the sheathing surface, then water resistance is improved, but the system becomes unstable under UV radiation and temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidstability under UV and temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a synthetic membrane material that combines multiple properties: water resistance, UV stability, and temperature resistance. This composite material approach replaces the traditional building felt or pap with a more durable, chemically stable synthetic polymer that maintains its integrity under environmental stressors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If traditional fasteners are used without sealing, then installation speed is maintained, but water intrusion causes fastener failure and sheathing deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidfastener holding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function and the fastening function into a single integrated fastener assembly. The membrane is pre-attached to the fastener head, so that one action of driving the fastener simultaneously achieves both mechanical fastening and water sealing, eliminating the need for separate caulking or taping steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the penetration point, preventing water intrusion and deterioration of the sheathing board, while allowing for quick and easy installation, maintaining structural integrity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a chemical bond is formed between the membrane and the polymeric compound of the sheathing board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bond: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the membrane becomes heated as it is driven into the sheathing board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2029324B1Fastening system for sheathing board
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 CERTAINTEED GYPSUM INC
  • EP2029324B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2029324B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2029324B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a fastening system that is adapted for securing a sheathing board to an associated framing member. The system includes a feedband for retaining a series of fasteners and a powered drill for sequentially driving the fasteners. The feedband is made from a membrane of a polymeric compound. As the fastener is driven into the sheathing board, a portion of the membrane tears away from the surrounding feedband and becomes seated beneath the fastener. This acts to seal the penetration point and prevent water intrusion and otherwise prevents deterioration of the sheathing board.