Self-adhering Waterproofing Membrane with Integrated Adhesive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-adhering waterproofing and roofing membranes have high production costs due to the inclusion of a fiber-based separation layer and require longer installation times for sealing seams, which increases overall costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhering sealing device comprising a waterproofing membrane with a sealant layer and an adhesive layer, where the sealant and adhesive layers cover a significant portion of the membrane's surface, allowing for adhesively bonded seams without the need for additional sealing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fiber-based separation layer is included in self-adhering membranes, then the membranes can be properly separated during installation, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber-based separation layer from the membrane structure and replaces it with a release liner that is removed at the time of installation. This extraction of the problematic separation layer eliminates the high production costs associated with manufacturing complex multi-layer structures while maintaining the ability to separate membranes during installation through the simpler release liner approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a permanent fiber-based separation layer integrated into the membrane structure, the patent inverts the approach by using a temporary release liner that is applied separately and removed at installation time. This inversion transforms the separation function from a built-in structural element to a temporary protective element, reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If heat-welding is used to seal seams between adjacent membranes, then waterproofing is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive function into the membrane structure itself by applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to the backside of the membrane. This allows the membrane to be self-adhering, eliminating the need for separate heat-welding operations to seal seams. The adhesive layer enables direct bonding of overlapping membranes through simple pressure application, combining the sealing and bonding functions into a single step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical heat-welding system with a chemical adhesive bonding system. Instead of using heat and pressure to melt and fuse thermoplastic materials, the patent uses pressure-sensitive adhesive chemistry to bond membranes together at room temperature, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
3Reliability
If additional sealing processes are used for seams, then waterproofing is ensured, but overall costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the membrane multi-functional by integrating both the waterproofing barrier function and the adhesive bonding function into a single product. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the backside of the membrane enables the membrane to serve as both the waterproof barrier and the bonding agent, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials or processes and reducing overall installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the membrane to be self-adhering and self-sealing through the integrated pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The membrane bonds to itself and to substrates without requiring external adhesives, heat-welding equipment, or additional sealing processes, allowing installers to simply overlap and press the membranes together to achieve both bonding and sealing.
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 proposed solution reduces production and installation costs by eliminating the need for a fiber-based separation layer and simplifies the installation process by allowing seams to be adhesively bonded using the same adhesive, thereby decreasing overall costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer (4) covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2)
Implementation Method 2
a sealant layer (3) covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device including a waterproofing membrane, a sealant layer covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, and an adhesive layer covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, wherein the sealant layer is composed of an adhesive sealant composition comprising 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer, 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler. Further, a method for producing a sealing device, to a method for waterproofing a substrate, and to a waterproofed substrate.