Temporary Downspout Debris Capture Using Elastic Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downspout debris collection systems require significant, permanent alterations to gutters or downspouts, making them unsuitable for temporary use, especially during construction or maintenance activities, and often fail to effectively capture debris, leading to clogging and unsightly discharge.

Innovation Solution

A temporary, easy-to-install and remove downspout debris collection system comprising a filtering portion with multiple layers of netting and a securing portion with elastic bands, designed to fit standard downspouts, capturing debris above a certain size while allowing water to pass through, and featuring high-friction surfaces for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing downspout debris collection systems are installed, then debris capture capability is improved, but significant permanent alterations to gutters or downspouts are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidpermanent alterations to gutters or downspouts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The debris collection system is divided into separate components: a collection device that fits inside the downspout and a securing mechanism with elastic bands. This segmentation allows the system to be installed without permanent alterations to the downspout structure itself, as the components can be independently assembled and removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing portion utilizes elastic bands that can flex and stretch to accommodate the downspout opening without requiring permanent structural changes. This flexible approach allows the system to be easily installed and removed while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If existing downspout debris collection systems are installed, then debris capture capability is improved, but installation and removal become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism employs elastic bands that can dynamically stretch during installation to expand beyond the downspout opening, then contract to secure the collection device in place. This dynamic behavior simplifies the installation process, as the elastic bands naturally want to return to their original size once released, securing the device without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic bands provide self-securing functionality through their inherent elastic properties. Once the collection device is positioned in the downspout, the elastic bands automatically contract and tighten to secure it in place without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps, making installation and removal straightforward operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing downspout debris collection systems are installed, then debris capture capability is improved, but the systems are not suitable for temporary use during construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidtemporary installation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The debris collection system is designed as a temporary, potentially disposable solution suitable for construction and maintenance activities. The collection device and securing components are engineered to be easily deployed for the duration of a construction project and then removed without requiring permanent installation, aligning with the temporary nature of construction debris management needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system can be pre-assembled with the collection device and securing portions attached before being installed in the downspout. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment during construction activities, and the entire system can be quickly removed and disposed of or reused after the construction project is complete, making it ideal for temporary applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively captures debris during construction or maintenance, preventing clogging and unsightly discharge, with easy installation and removal, and allows for disposal or reuse after use.

Implementation Method 1

The securing portion, by way of non-limiting example, may comprise one or more areas having a relatively high coefficient of friction (e.g., textured, rubberized surfaces), so as to grip and maintain connection to downspouts.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250230661A1Downspout debris capture system and method

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 MACKINTOSH ERIC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for capturing debris from downspouts are provided. Downspout debris collection devices are installed to exits of downspouts of a gutter system for a building. A construction activity is performed at a roof of the building and netting collects debris exiting the downspouts while allowing water to escape. The downspout debris collection devices, with the collected debris trapped therein, are subsequently removed and at least the collected debris are disposed of.