Self-Sealing Elastic Membrane for Fastener Perforations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching sheet goods and film products to substrates in the construction sector, such as membranes for sealing, often result in compromised sealing functionality due to perforations from fastening methods, requiring laborious and imperfect subsequent sealing with sealants or tapes, and pose risks of undetected leaks.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing or self-healing track body with an elastic layer that automatically reseals perforations by using materials like microcapsules or swelling agents that activate upon damage, encasing fasteners and restoring the seal, or employing elastic layers that radially press against fasteners to seal the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fastening methods (stapling, nailing, screwing) are used to attach membranes to substrates, then the membranes can be securely fastened to the substrate, but the sealing function is compromised due to perforations created by the fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect (perforation damage) is extracted and isolated by introducing a separate sealing component (sealing head or sealing layer) that specifically addresses the perforation issue without interfering with the mechanical fastening function. The sealing element is extracted as a distinct functional unit that can be applied after fastening to restore the sealing barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element (sealing head, sealing tape, or sealing layer) acts as an intermediary between the perforated membrane and the substrate, filling the gap created by the fastener and restoring the sealing function. This intermediary component bridges the discontinuity caused by mechanical fastening while maintaining the overall sealing integrity.
2Reliability
If sealants or sealing tapes are applied manually after fastening to restore sealing, then the sealing function can be restored at perforation points, but this requires considerable additional labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is prepared in advance by incorporating sealing elements (sealing heads on fasteners, self-adhesive sealing layers, or pre-positioned sealing tapes) that are ready to activate immediately upon fastening. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for subsequent manual sealing operations, as the sealing action is either simultaneous with or automatically triggered by the fastening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own sealing function through self-adhesive layers that automatically bond when pressed, or through sealing heads that self-seal around the fastener shaft. The membrane or fastening system itself provides the sealing capability without requiring external sealing materials or manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods are used, then membranes can be attached to substrates, but undetected perforations and damage may continue to cause leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane incorporates visually distinct elements (colored sealing layers, contrasting sealing tapes, or visible sealing heads) that make the sealing locations and potential defects easily detectable. The color change or visual contrast allows for quick inspection to verify that sealing has occurred at all fastening points and to identify any missed or failed sealing locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system provides immediate visual or tactile feedback when sealing occurs (e.g., color change upon activation, audible indication, or visible deformation of the sealing element). This feedback mechanism allows installers to verify in real-time that sealing is occurring at each fastening point, enabling immediate detection and correction of any issues.
4Reliability
If the membrane material is made highly elastic to enable self-sealing around fasteners, then sealing around fasteners is improved, but the structural integrity and stability of the membrane may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid structural base layer that provides overall strength and stability, and a separate elastic sealing layer or integrated sealing elements that provide local flexibility for self-sealing. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its properties without compromising the other, maintaining both structural integrity and sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane employs composite construction combining materials with different properties: a stable, structurally sound base material (such as reinforced polymer or multi-layer composite) combined with an elastic sealing component (such as rubberized coating, foam layer, or elastomeric sealing elements). The composite structure leverages the strengths of each material to achieve both stability and sealing flexibility.
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 solution effectively maintains watertightness and air-tightness by automatically resealing perforations, reducing labor and risk of leaks, and ensuring the integrity of the sealing function, even under hydrostatic pressure, with options for combining different layer structures for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
the material of this layer possesses such elasticity and restoring force that, when a fastener penetrates the elastic layer, the material of the elastic layer surrounding the fastener encloses the fastener and seals it
Implementation Method 2
the material becomes automatically active, emerging from the membrane body at the perforation site, i.e., running out and/or oozing out, and subsequently contributing to the closure of the perforation opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sheet (1), preferably for use in the building sector and in particular for sealing the shell of a building, comprising a planar sheet body (2). It is provided according to the invention that the sheet body (2) has at least one elastic layer as a sealing layer (17) made of a material of such elasticity and such restoring force that, when the sealing layer (17) is penetrated by a fastening means (4), the material of the sealing layer (17) surrounding the fastening means (4) encloses the fastening means (4) and provides sealing in the region of the fastening means (4).