Slit Stretchable Wrap for Waterproofing Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crepe surface films used for waterproofing around skylights and windows are prone to tearing and uneven coverage on curved surfaces, leading to potential water leaks and delamination, which increases costs and reduces effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable wrap with surface materials like paper, plastic, or metal foil featuring strategically designed slits that allow for lengthwise and widthwise stretching without tearing, combined with a suitable adhesive for secure application, enabling conformability to complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If crepe surface film is stretched around curved windows or skylights, then it can cover the surface area, but it tears or does not cover evenly leading to water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The film is divided into multiple segments by creating slits that extend through its thickness. These slits allow the film to stretch and conform to curved surfaces without tearing, while the unslitted portions maintain structural integrity and waterproofing capability. The segmented structure enables the film to adapt to complex geometries while preserving seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a thin film structure with controlled slits that provides flexibility for conforming to curved surfaces. The film's thin nature combined with strategic slit placement allows it to bend and stretch around windows and skylights without compromising its waterproofing function, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If crepe surface film is used for waterproofing, then it provides sealing capability, but it delaminates during application reducing protection
Solution Approach 1:
The slits create independent segments that can move and conform during application without causing the entire film to delaminate. This segmentation allows the film to be applied to curved surfaces while maintaining adhesive bond stability, preventing the delamination issue that occurs with conventional crepe films.
3Reliability
If conventional film is used for waterproofing, then it provides basic coverage, but it is expensive and bulky increasing transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a thin film structure that provides effective waterproofing without the bulk and weight of conventional crepe films. The slits enable this thin film to stretch and conform to various shapes, replacing expensive and bulky traditional materials with a lightweight, cost-effective alternative that maintains protective functionality.
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 stretchable wrap provides a reliable, tear-resistant waterproof seal on curved surfaces, ensuring effective moisture protection and reducing application costs by preventing delamination and leaks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more slits that extend throughout the thickness of the surface material, wherein the slits allow the surface material to stretch without tearing when the material is extended
Implementation Method 2
a release film attached to an adhesive on a bottom of the surface material
Data Source
AI summary
A paper or plastic surface material of appropriate thickness and stiffness which can be coated with or laminated to asphaltic or non-asphaltic adhesives. The surface material can have a plurality of individual slits formed in substantially parallel spaced rows extending transversely from one end to the opposing end of the surface material. The flexible surface material is expandable by extending the opposing ends of the surface material whereby the slits form an array of openings. The length, width and spacing of the cuts can be varied to achieve desired stretch ratios. The surface material can be easily stored in the non-expandable position and easily expanded to be stretchable and conformable around windows, skylights or other suitable uses.