Weldable TPO Waterproofing Layer with Non-Woven Fabric
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current TPO-based waterproofing membranes face challenges with increased blocking issues due to the presence of amorphous polyolefin modifiers, leading to difficulties in processing and installation, and require additional adhesive or sealing tapes for seam sealing, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device comprising a flexible TPO-based waterproofing layer with an outer layer of non-woven fabric directly adhered to it, where the thermoplastic elastomer and polymer are compatible or partially miscible, allowing for heat-weldable seams without additional adhesives and reducing blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If amorphous polyolefin modifiers are increased in TPO membranes to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but blocking increases making processing and installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic amorphous polyolefin modifiers from the TPO membrane composition by replacing them with alternative plasticizers and modifiers that do not cause blocking, while maintaining the desired flexibility through different chemical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the membrane composition by introducing specific plasticizers and modifiers with different molecular structures and properties that provide flexibility without the blocking side effect of amorphous polyolefin modifiers
2Reliability
If adhesive composition or sealing tapes are used to seal seams instead of heat-welding, then seam sealing is achieved, but production and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesives and sealing tapes) with a thermal-mechanical welding process that fuses membrane layers together through heat and pressure, eliminating the need for additional sealing materials and reducing costs
3Reliability
If adhesive composition is used to adhere membrane to substrate, then adhesion is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive-based chemical bonding with direct thermal-mechanical welding between the membrane and substrate, simplifying the installation process by eliminating adhesive application steps while maintaining reliable attachment
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
Enables cost-effective production and installation of waterproofing systems with all seams capable of being heat-welded, reducing production and installation costs while maintaining flexibility and preventing blocking issues.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for heat-weldable seams without additional adhesives
Implementation Method 2
the thermoplastic elastomer and polymer are compatible or partially miscible
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device including a waterproofing layer including at least one thermoplastic elastomer P1 and an outer layer of non-woven fabric directly adhered to at least portion of the second major surface of the waterproofing layer, wherein the outer layer of non-woven fabric including at least one polymer P2. Further, a method for producing a sealing device, to the use of a layer of non-woven fabric including or essentially consisting of polypropylene fibers for reducing blocking of a waterproofing layer including at least one propylene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and to a method for covering a roof substrate using the sealing devices of the present invention.