Apparatus and methods for secure, non-invasive and non-permanent surface attachment systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof attachment systems require penetrations through roof shingles and underlying sealing layers, leading to potential water leakage and costly, time-consuming removal processes when third-party energy-generating structures need to be uninstalled.

Innovation Solution

A non-slip retainer attachment system that uses array stays and split-beams to secure devices like solar panels without penetrating the roof, utilizing high friction polymer foam padding and pre-drilled holes for secure fastening without damaging the roofing surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If L-foot attachment with roof fastener penetration is used, then secure attachment of roof structures is achieved, but water leakage risk increases and removal becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidwater leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a non-penetrating roof-mounted base and a separate support structure. The base distributes loads across multiple shingles without penetrating them, while the support structure attaches to the base rather than directly to the roof, eliminating penetration-related water leakage risks while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A non-penetrating roof-mounted base acts as an intermediary between the roof and the support structure. This base component distributes attachment forces across multiple roof shingles without penetrating the roofing system, thereby eliminating direct penetration points that would create water leakage pathways while still providing secure support for mounted devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If L-foot attachment with roof fastener penetration is used, then secure attachment of roof structures is achieved, but removal process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidremoval time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure can be easily removed and relocated from one roof location to another, while the non-penetrating base remains on the roof. This allows for rapid reconfiguration or removal of energy-generating structures without the need for expensive and time-consuming roof repair work that would be required if penetrating fasteners were used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-penetrating attachment system is used, then water leakage risk is reduced and removal is simplified, but attachment security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater leakage riskVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ballast weights positioned on the roof-mounted base to counteract uplift forces from wind and other environmental loads. This ballast provides downward force that compensates for the lack of penetrating mechanical anchors, maintaining secure attachment while eliminating penetration-related water leakage risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The roof-mounted base is designed with a large surface area and low profile that is installed first and distributes loads across multiple shingles before the support structure is attached. This preliminary distribution of forces prevents concentrated stresses that could damage shingles or create leakage paths, while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 secure, non-invasive, and removable attachment of roof-mounted devices without creating penetrations, reducing water leakage risks and simplifying the uninstallation of energy-generating structures.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing high friction polymer foam padding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10640981B2Apparatus and methods for secure, non-invasive and non-permanent surface attachment systems

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 HOLT JOHN GRANVILLE

AI summary

A non-slip roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The non-slip attachment system may be used to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. The horizontal member comprises a spiral.