Sandwich Panel Gutter Mounting for Watertight Eaves Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sandwich panels face challenges in integrating rain gutters that are aesthetically pleasing, easy to assemble, and do not compromise the structural integrity or watertightness, particularly at the eaves or edge regions.
Innovation Solution
A rain gutter design with asymmetrical side walls and mounting brackets that securely attach to the sandwich element, allowing for efficient water collection and aesthetic integration, while minimizing material usage and avoiding obstruction of the eaves area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gutter hooks and flashing are used to attach the rain gutter to the sandwich element, then the gutter can be attached to the sandwich element, but the installation time increases and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the gutter, ensures watertight sealing through integrated sealing elements, and attaches securely to the sandwich element's rib structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate flashing pieces and multiple fastening operations, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with sealing elements and attachment features that align with the sandwich element's rib structure. The bracket includes pre-formed sealing flanges and positioning elements that ensure proper alignment and watertight connection before final attachment, eliminating the need for on-site sealing operations and complex alignment procedures
2Strength
If drilling through outer layers is performed to attach the gutter, then the gutter can be securely attached, but watertightness is compromised and complex sealing measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket utilizes the existing rib structure of the sandwich element's outer layer as a localized attachment surface. By designing the bracket to clamp onto or attach to these ribs rather than drilling through the entire panel, the solution maintains the integrity of the outer layer's waterproof membrane while providing sufficient attachment strength through the structurally reinforced rib areas
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary component that distributes attachment forces across multiple ribs and includes integrated sealing flanges that contact the outer layer surface. This intermediary structure transfers loads to the strong rib areas without compromising the waterproof continuity of the outer layer, eliminating the need for separate sealing measures
3Loss of substance
If the gutter is attached close to the eaves edge for compact installation, then material usage is reduced, but the eaves area is obstructed and drainage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with an asymmetrical configuration where the attachment portion engages with the ribs near the eaves edge for compact installation, while the gutter-supporting portion extends outward to position the gutter body at an optimal distance from the edge. This asymmetric design allows compact material usage while maintaining drainage efficiency through proper gutter positioning
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (flashing, gutter hooks, gutter body) are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket combines the functions of structural support, sealing, and attachment into a single integrated component. It includes built-in sealing flanges that contact the outer layer, attachment mechanisms that engage with the rib structure, and gutter-supporting elements that position the gutter body. This integration reduces the component count while maintaining all necessary functions through clever design of the bracket's geometry and features
Data Source
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AI summary
A rain gutter (1) for sandwich panels (S), wherein the rain gutter (1) comprises: an elongated channel body (10) with a first side wall (11) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) of the channel body (10), with a second side wall (12) opposite the first side wall (11) at a distance, and with a bottom section (13) connecting the first and second side walls (11, 12), wherein a channel opening (14) is formed between the first and second side walls (11, 12) through which rainwater can enter the channel body (10) to be collected, and at least one mounting bracket (20; 20a) for attaching the channel body (10) to a sandwich panel (S), wherein the at least one mounting bracket (20; 20a) extends from the first side wall (11) at least partially over the channel opening (14) to attach the channel body (10) to the sandwich panel (S) to attach that the first side wall (11) is from an eaves orThe edge area (T) of the sandwich element (S) is spaced so that water running off the eaves or edge area (T) enters the channel opening (14). The first side wall (11) has a greater height (H1) than the second side wall (12). The mounting bracket (20; 20a) has a fastening section (21) with a central web and a lateral tab for attachment to a top surface of the sandwich element (S) and a connecting section (22) that connects the fastening section (21) to the first side wall (11) of the channel body (10) in a force-transmitting manner.