Tree House Trunk Waterproofing with Absorbent Drainage Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tree houses built with tree trunks as pillars face rain leakage issues due to the permeable nature of tree bark and the growing tree's bark peeling off, which existing waterproof solutions fail to adequately address, especially considering the weight limitations and unique structural requirements of tree houses.

Innovation Solution

A two-layer waterproof sheet comprising a waterproof sheet and a non-woven fabric with water absorption and drainage properties is wound around the trunk, integrated with adhesive for direct contact and drainage, along with a rope to close gaps, providing a lightweight and simple structure to prevent rain invasion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof sheet is wrapped around the trunk with an elastic cord, then rainwater infiltration is reduced, but rainwater still penetrates through the gap between the trunk and roof

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverainwater infiltrationVSAvoidwaterproofing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible waterproof sheet wrapped around the trunk with an elastic cord to create a barrier against rainwater. This flexible film approach allows the waterproofing layer to conform to the trunk's shape while maintaining waterproof protection, directly addressing the gap between the rigid roof and organic trunk shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If silicone resin is used to coat the gap between trunk and roof, then initial waterproofing is improved, but rain leakage increases as bark grows and peels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverain leakageVSAvoidwaterproofing durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic cord to dynamically adjust the waterproof sheet's tension as the trunk grows. This dynamic adaptation allows the waterproofing system to maintain effectiveness over time despite the trunk's biological growth and bark peeling, unlike static silicone resin coatings that fail as the trunk changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic cord changes its physical parameters (tension, elasticity) in response to trunk growth, maintaining constant pressure on the waterproof sheet to ensure continuous waterproofing effectiveness despite changes in the trunk's dimensions and bark condition over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional waterproofing technology for normal houses is applied, then waterproofing performance is improved, but weight and structural complexity increase beyond tree house limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverain leakage preventionVSAvoidwaterproofing system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple, lightweight waterproof sheet and elastic cord system that can be easily applied and replaced, rather than heavy, permanent conventional waterproofing structures. This approach prioritizes simplicity and lightness suitable for tree houses while providing adequate waterproof protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This solution efficiently prevents rain leakage in tree houses with tree trunks as pillars by effectively absorbing and draining rainwater, accommodating the unique growth and structural challenges of tree houses while maintaining a lightweight and simple installation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-woven fabric having water absorption property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

drainage property to drain absorbed water from an opposite end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrainage: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

an inner side of the outer waterproof sheet being made of an adhesive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11970863B2Structure for preventing rain leakage in tree house

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 TREEFUL INC

AI summary

A light and relatively simple structure for preventing rain leakage in a tree house. A tree house using a trunk of a tree as a pillar inevitably has a gap between the trunk and a roof. Thus, a plurality of two-layer waterproof sheets are placed on top of the roof, so that each sheet can absorb rain water that would run down the trunk of the tree and enter the gap, and can drain the rain water onto the roof. This makes it possible to prevent rain leakage in the tree house through the gap between the trunk of the tree and the roof.