Waterproofing Form with Gutter Channel for Wall Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage systems for structures fail to effectively contain and remove water seeping through exterior walls, leading to moisture-related issues like mold, mildew, and radon gas infiltration, as they allow water to evaporate back into living spaces and do not fully sequester water entering the structure.
Innovation Solution
A waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form affixed to a wall at a mounting angle, a vapor barrier retainer, and a gutter channel that directs water to a collection area, preventing backflow and evaporation, and includes features like wicking channels and spacers for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposed drains are used in existing drainage systems, then water can be directed away from walls, but water can evaporate into living spaces creating humidity problems
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor barrier is nested within the waterproofing form structure, creating a contained environment where water is collected and removed through the form's drainage system rather than being exposed to indoor air. This nesting prevents evaporation into living spaces while maintaining effective water removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is extracted from the exposed wall surface and integrated into the waterproofing form structure. Water is collected at the source within the form and removed through dedicated drainage pathways, separating the water removal function from the wall surface to prevent evaporation into living spaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproofing forms are installed to contain water, then water evaporation into living spaces is prevented, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the waterproofing form structure: water collection, vapor barrier integration, drainage channeling, and structural support. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective water containment and removal capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing form serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a water collection container, a vapor barrier substrate, and a drainage system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Productivity
If gutter channels are pitched to direct water flow, then water removal efficiency improves, but installation precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter channel is pre-formed with the required pitch angle during manufacturing of the waterproofing form. This preliminary action eliminates the need for precise field installation adjustments, as the drainage slope is already built into the structure before installation on the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting angle parameter is optimized to provide sufficient drainage slope for effective water removal while remaining within tolerances achievable during standard installation procedures. The angle is designed to balance drainage efficiency with practical installation capabilities.
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 effectively contains and removes water from structures, reducing indoor humidity and preventing mold, mildew, and radon gas infiltration, while allowing for quick and cost-effective installation across long runs.
Implementation Method 1
the pitch angle can cause the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal
Implementation Method 2
a vapor barrier, which can prevent evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling
Implementation Method 3
a wicking channel, for securing a wicking felt to the waterproofing form
Data Source
AI summary
The present system and method enables water entering a dwelling or structure to be contained and removed, while preventing evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form, affixable to a first surface of a wall at a mounting angle, and comprising a vapor barrier retainer for detachably affixing a vapor barrier to the waterproofing form, and a gutter channel, disposed at a pitch angle, and in fluid communication with the first surface of the wall, the vapor barrier, and a collection area, where the pitch angle and the mounting angle are the same angle, and where the pitch angle causes the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal.