Antimicrobial Scavenger Layer for Steep Slope Roof Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roofing systems on steep slope roofs face challenges in managing runoff containing antimicrobial agents, which can lead to environmental concerns and reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
A roofing system comprising a steep slope roof substrate with a first region of shingles containing antimicrobial agents and a second region with an antimicrobial scavenger layer that captures these agents from runoff, thereby reducing their concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shingles contain antimicrobial agents to prevent algae and mold growth, then the roofing system's protective function is improved, but the runoff water becomes contaminated with these agents causing environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
An antimicrobial scavenger layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the shingles and the environment. This layer selectively captures and retains antimicrobial agents from runoff water through adsorption or absorption mechanisms, preventing the agents from entering the environment while allowing water to drain freely. The scavenger layer thus mediates between the need for antimicrobial protection and environmental safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing antimicrobial agents to be discarded with runoff water, the system recovers these agents using the scavenger layer. The captured agents can remain on the scavenger layer for continued localized protection or be periodically removed and reused, thereby recovering valuable materials that would otherwise be wasted and potentially harmful.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If antimicrobial agents are applied to shingles to maintain effectiveness over time, then the protective function is sustained, but the agents leach into runoff reducing their concentration and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The scavenger layer acts as a mediator that intercepts leaching agents before they are lost in runoff. By positioning this layer downslope from the shingles, it creates a localized retention zone that captures agents as they migrate, thereby extending the functional life of the antimicrobial system without requiring higher initial application rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers leaching antimicrobial agents through the scavenger layer, preventing their complete loss. This recovery mechanism allows the agents to remain in circulation within the roofing system rather than being discarded with runoff, thereby maintaining effective concentrations over extended periods.
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 antimicrobial scavenger layer effectively captures antimicrobial agents from runoff, reducing their concentration to environmentally safer levels and maintaining the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents on the shingles.
Implementation Method 1
the antimicrobial scavenger layer is configured to capture the at least one antimicrobial agent so as to reduce a concentration of the at least one antimicrobial agent in the runoff
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a roofing system. In some embodiments, the roofing system comprises at least one steep slope roof substrate having a first region. In some embodiments, the first region comprises a plurality of shingles. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of shingles comprises at least one antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the at least one steep slope roof substrate also comprises a second region. In some embodiments, the second region comprises an antimicrobial scavenger layer that is configured to receive runoff from the first region of the steep slope roof substrate. In some embodiments, the runoff comprises an initial concentration of at least one antimicrobial agent and water. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial scavenger layer is configured to capture the at least one antimicrobial agent so as to reduce the initial concentration of the at least one antimicrobial agent in the runoff.