Anchor platform assembly especially useful for roof accessory structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring and mounting systems for heavy roof structures, such as solar panels and railings, fail to provide a waterproof connection, leading to potential roof leaks due to repetitive movement and shifting, making it difficult to guarantee against water or moisture damage.
Innovation Solution
A novel anchor platform assembly with stainless steel baseplates and internally-threaded cylindrical posts, combined with flashing materials and adhesives, to create a robust and watertight connection that prevents water penetration through central bores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anchoring systems use adhesives to seal anchor holes, then initial waterproofing is achieved, but repetitive roof movement causes cracks in the adhesive over time, leading to roof leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane as an intermediary layer between the rigid anchor plate and the roof surface. This membrane accommodates roof movements and thermal expansion/contraction while maintaining the waterproof seal, preventing the adhesive from cracking under stress. The membrane acts as a buffer that absorbs mechanical stresses that would otherwise transfer to the adhesive bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing system by using a flexible, elastomeric membrane material with high elongation properties instead of rigid adhesive alone. This allows the sealing system to dynamically adapt to changing dimensional parameters of the roof structure due to thermal and mechanical stresses, maintaining integrity over time.
2Strength
If heavy roof structures are mounted using anchors bolted through the roof, then strong anchoring is achieved, but these anchors create conduits for water penetration despite using adhesives to seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waterproofing function from the anchoring function. The anchor plate provides mechanical fastening while a separate flexible membrane provides waterproofing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its primary function without compromising the other, as the membrane can independently seal around the anchor penetrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane sheet that conforms to the roof surface and seals around anchor penetrations. This thin film creates a continuous waterproof barrier that accommodates movement and prevents water from tracking down anchor holes, effectively blocking the water penetration pathway while maintaining anchoring strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If glass walls and railings are mounted to avoid viewing obstructions, then aesthetic quality is improved, but these heavy structures generate significant loads and create water penetration pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-anchoring to area-distribution anchoring by using a large-diameter anchor plate that distributes the concentrated loads from glass walls and railings over a broader roof surface area. This dimensional change reduces the stress intensity at any single point and provides a larger bonding area for the adhesive, enabling the structure to support heavier aesthetic elements.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 4c
AI summary
An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure includes an anchor baseplate having a generally planar first surface and second surface, an elongated post coupled to the baseplate and projecting outwardly from the first surface thereof. The post has a first end secured to the anchor baseplate, a second free end and an at least partially threaded, cylindrical blind bore extending from the first surface of the anchor baseplate into the post, with the second surface of the anchor baseplate being configured to allow the structure to lie generally flush against the second surface except for the area of the second surface covered by the post. A cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread is used for fastening an object to the anchor baseplate via the blind bore. A dual post anchor assembly is also disclosed.