Roofing Debris Collection via Drape Chutes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing roofing debris from roofs are cumbersome, requiring the hoisting and repositioning of collection bins and chute systems, which can damage buildings and surrounding structures, and lack efficiency in debris collection.
Innovation Solution
A roofing debris collection apparatus comprising gutter liners with U- or V-shaped lips that fit over gutters, debris chute drapes supported by adjustable poles extending from the gutter to the ground, and a debris collecting tarp with handles, allowing debris to be directed from the roof into the gutter and down the drapes for safe and efficient disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If collection bins are used to remove roofing debris, then debris can be collected and removed, but the bins must be hoisted onto the roof and moved to different areas, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the collection bin from the roof environment and replaces it with a drape chute system that extends from the roof edge to the ground. Debris is directed through the drape chute to collection bins positioned at ground level, eliminating the need to hoist and move bins on the roof. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining debris collection capability while removing the time-consuming hoisting and moving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape chute acts as an intermediary element that bridges the roof and ground level. It channels debris from the roof edge down to collection bins on the ground, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct roof-to-truck debris transfer. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient debris removal without requiring bins to be moved on the roof.
2Productivity
If conventional chute systems are used to deliver debris to ground level, then debris removal is enabled, but the chutes must be moved from position to position around the perimeter, which is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drape chute is designed as a flexible, dynamic structure that can be easily repositioned and adjusted. Unlike rigid conventional chutes that require complex moving mechanisms, the flexible drape chute can be quickly relocated by simple handling, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining efficient debris delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible drape chute made of thin film material instead of rigid conventional chutes. This flexible structure can be easily moved, bent, and repositioned around the roof perimeter without requiring complex mechanical systems, directly resolving the contradiction between debris delivery efficiency and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If debris is simply dropped off the side of the roof, then removal is simplified, but the debris can damage the side of the building or damage other structures such as shrubs, flowers, and bushes
Solution Approach 1:
The drape chute serves as an intermediary that captures debris at the roof edge and directs it along a controlled path to the ground. This prevents debris from freely falling and damaging the building facade or surrounding structures, while maintaining the simplicity of the removal process. The intermediary system resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity to prevent harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful free-fall of debris into a beneficial controlled descent. By using the drape chute to guide debris, the system transforms what would be damaging random impacts into a controlled, protected delivery mechanism that safeguards the building and surrounding structures while maintaining efficient debris removal.
4Strength
If rigid chute systems are used, then structural strength is provided, but the systems are difficult to transport and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid chute structures with flexible drape chute material that can be easily rolled, transported, and assembled. Despite the flexible construction, the system maintains sufficient structural strength to handle roofing debris effectively. This resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that flexibility does not compromise strength when properly designed for the intended load.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape chute system is designed in segmented, modular sections that can be easily transported and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural integrity and strength while being divided into manageable pieces for convenient handling, transport, and assembly, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture.
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 apparatus enables rapid, compact, and cost-effective installation around the roof perimeter, facilitating quick debris removal while protecting buildings from damage and allowing air exchange through netting, making it easier to transport and assemble, and simplifies the collection process.
Implementation Method 1
The drape support poles have a pole tip support for engaging the side of a building. The pole tip support has a support portion having a pole connecting portion and a debris chute drape connecting portion.
Implementation Method 2
allowing roofing debris to accumulate in the one or more gutter liners or to fall on to one or more debris chute drapes and to fall from the one or more debris chute drapes onto the ground or onto a debris collecting ground tarp
Data Source
AI summary
A roofing debris collection apparatus having one or more gutter liners constructed to fit in an interior of a gutter to collect roofing debris; one or more debris chute drapes; and one or more drape support poles to maintain the debris chute drapes in a vertical angled orientation adjacent the gutter to guide roofing debris from a roof to the ground. Roofing debris accumulates in the gutter liners or falls off the roof on to the debris chute drapes and slides from the debris chute drapes onto the ground or onto a debris collecting ground tarp. The roofing debris is collected and removed by collecting the gutter liners from the gutter and gathering the debris collecting ground tarp from the ground. The roofing debris collection apparatus allows for rapid collection and removal of roofing debris and protects the sides of a building from any damage that might be caused by the collection of roofing debris.