Universal Inside Corner Patch for Membrane Roofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional inside corner patches for membrane roofing fail to effectively seal non-orthogonal inside corners, leading to potential leaks, as they are not adaptable to angles different from 90 degrees, and existing solutions do not address the need for a universal patch that can fit both orthogonal and non-orthogonal corners.
Innovation Solution
A universal inside corner patch made from the same membrane material as the roof, featuring a central and peripheral portion with cutouts and fold lines allowing it to conform to various angles, including acute and obtuse angles, and optionally equipped with a self-adhesive coating for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inside corner patches are used, then orthogonal (90 degree) corners can be sealed, but non-orthogonal corners cannot be properly sealed leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The corner patch incorporates fold lines that allow the patch to dynamically adjust its shape to match different corner angles. The fold lines enable the patch to transition from a flat state to a three-dimensional configuration that conforms to various angles, making it adaptable to both orthogonal and non-orthogonal corners while maintaining seal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patch design changes its geometric parameters through folding actions. By folding along predetermined fold lines, the patch transforms its shape parameters (angles, lengths, positions) to match the specific corner angle being sealed, enabling universal applicability across different corner configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom corner patches are fabricated in the field by cutting and trimming membrane material, then patches can be made to fit specific corners, but the process is time consuming and requires skill
Solution Approach 1:
The corner patch is pre-manufactured with fold lines and cutouts in specific patterns that enable it to be quickly configured for different corner angles. This preliminary preparation of the patch geometry eliminates the need for time-consuming field cutting and trimming, allowing installers to simply fold and apply the patch to achieve precise fit
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is divided into segments separated by fold lines, allowing it to be easily folded and configured into different shapes. This segmentation enables the single patch to adapt to various corner angles without requiring custom cutting, significantly improving installation speed while maintaining fit precision
3Ease of operation
If pre-molded orthogonal inside corner patches are used, then installation is simple, but they cannot fit non-orthogonal corners
Solution Approach 1:
The corner patch is designed as a universal solution that can seal multiple types of corners (orthogonal and non-orthogonal) using the same patch design. The fold lines and cutouts enable the patch to be configured for different angles, making it multi-functional and compatible with various corner types while maintaining simple installation procedures
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 universal inside corner patch reliably seals inside corners of different angles, from 70 to 120 degrees, providing a leak-proof solution that is both adaptable and easy to apply, addressing the limitations of traditional patches.
Implementation Method 1
the corner patch may include a self-adhesive coating
Data Source
AI summary
A universal inside corner patch for patching inside corners formed by protrusions from a commercial low slope roof is disclosed. The universal inside corner patch includes a body having a central portion and a peripheral portion. A cutout is formed in the body extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion thereof. The cutout defines in the body a skirt having an edge on one side of the cutout and a flap having an edge on an opposite side of the cutout. Folding locations such as lines or other indicia on the body correspond to respective angles of an inside corner to be patched. When the skirt portion is overlapped with the flap portion with the edge of the skirt portion registering with one of the folding locations, the inside corner patch is configured to conform to an inside corner with an angle corresponding to the one of the folding locations. An adhesive may be disposed on a back surface of the body for adhering and sealing the corner patch in place.