Ventilated Sheathing Layer for Uniform Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisture removal systems for buildings, particularly in concrete structures, are not well-suited for installation as a substrate to accept finishing materials and often have complex or costly setups, with inadequate airflow distribution for optimal moisture collection.
Innovation Solution
A moisture removal system featuring a sheathing layer with inlet and outlet plenums and channels that span the supporting surface, utilizing a fan to circulate air and a controller to replace humid air with drier air, or maintaining vacuum pressure to efficiently collect moisture, which can be installed as a substrate layer between finishing materials and existing walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing moisture removal systems are installed as substrate layers, then they can remove moisture from supporting surfaces, but the airflow distribution becomes uneven and moisture collection is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate layer is segmented into multiple parallel channels that divide the airflow path. This segmentation allows air to be distributed more evenly across the supporting surface area, preventing localized congestion and ensuring uniform moisture collection throughout the entire substrate layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels are positioned and dimensioned to create locally optimized airflow patterns. By adjusting channel spacing, depth, and orientation, the system achieves uniform air distribution in different regions of the substrate layer, ensuring each area contributes effectively to moisture removal.
2Productivity
If complex moisture removal systems are installed, then moisture removal capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, an insulation layer, and a moisture removal system. The channels are integrated directly into the substrate layer material, eliminating the need for separate moisture removal components and simplifying installation while maintaining effective moisture removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture removal channels are merged with the substrate layer structure itself rather than being installed as separate components. This integration reduces the number of installation steps, lowers material costs, and simplifies the overall system while preserving moisture removal effectiveness.
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 system ensures even pressure and flow distribution for effective moisture removal, is simple and cost-effective to install, and can be used as a substrate layer between finishing materials and concrete surfaces, particularly in foundation areas.
Implementation Method 1
a fan arranged to circulate air through the channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the sheathing layer
Implementation Method 2
a controller arranged to operate the fan to maintain the channels at a vacuum pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A sheathing layer spans a supporting surface from which moisture is to be removed. In one exemplary system, ventilation channels extend between opposed ends of the substrate layer, communicating with an outlet opening at one end and with a duct at the opposing end which in turn communicates with an inlet opening at the same end of the substrate layer as the outlet opening. A fan is arranged to circulate air through channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to replace humid air in the channels with drier replacement air. In another example, a substrate layer includes ventilation channels communicating only between the supporting surface and an outlet opening. The outlet opening connects to a fan which maintains the channels at a vacuum pressure to withdraw moisture therefrom.