Universal Chimney Pipe Cover with Adjustable Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chimney end pipes protruding from roofs are prone to excessive wear due to environmental exposure, and existing solutions like artificial top covers are inadequate, with replacing the entire chimney system being costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A customizable channel system with base supports and a collar design that covers the protruding end pipe, adjustable for various roof pitches and chimney sizes, using materials like stainless steel for durability, and stabilized with bolts or spring thumbs for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an artificial top cover is used to protect the end pipe, then protection from environmental wear is improved, but the protection is incomplete and the pipe still deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple components: base supports that attach to the roof, a channel that spans around the end pipe, a collar that covers the pipe opening, and a crown top base that seals the top. This segmented approach provides complete coverage compared to a single artificial top cover, addressing the inadequacy of partial protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are nested within each other to form a complete protective enclosure: the end pipe is covered by the channel, which is supported by base supports attached to the roof, with the collar nesting over the pipe opening and the crown top base nesting inside the channel at the top. This nested structure ensures comprehensive protection against environmental factors.
2Reliability
If the complete chimney system is replaced to prevent deterioration, then protection reliability is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from the entire chimney system and implemented as a separate, standalone protective structure. The base supports attach to the roof independently, the channel spans around the existing end pipe without replacing it, and the collar and crown top base complete the protective enclosure. This allows protection without replacing the costly chimney system.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure acts as an intermediary between the existing chimney system and the environmental elements. Rather than replacing the chimney, this intermediate protective enclosure shields the end pipe from rain, snow, and other environmental factors, achieving protection while maintaining the original system.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed protective structure is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different roof pitches and chimney sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base supports are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to accommodate different roof pitches. The channel can be configured to span around end pipes of various sizes and shapes (circular or rectangular). This dynamic adjustability enables the same protective structure to be installed on different roofs and chimney configurations without requiring custom-built solutions for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
A covering system that covers an end pipe of a chimney system. A portion of the end pipe protrudes from the roof of a house or building where the chimney system is located. The system comprises of at least two base supports that sit on the roof. A channel spanning around the end pipe of the chimney system that protrudes from the roof. The base supports are attached at the base of the channel. The base has a protruding section whose dimensions are larger than the channel. A collar covering having a first and a second opening. The collar covers the protruding section of the base by its first opening and receives the channel at its second opening. A crown top base that slides inside of the channel from the top.