Elastomeric Roof Support Block with Steel Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rooftop support systems using wood blocks fail to effectively dampen vibrations, leading to excessive noise, movement, and potential damage to the roof surface, and are prone to deterioration and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising self-damping elastomeric blocks with a flat bottom and top, made from recycled tires, that are secured to the roof and equipped with a galvanized steel channel for mounting, providing superior vibration dampening and reducing shipping weight, while being UV-resistant and environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wood blocks are used to support rooftop objects, then the objects are supported, but excessive vibration and noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to elastomeric material, which fundamentally alters the vibration damping characteristics. The elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties enable it to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, thereby reducing noise and vibration transmission to the roof while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is constructed as a composite structure combining elastomeric material with an internal hollow cavity. This composite design allows the material to provide both structural support and vibration damping functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between support reliability and vibration reduction.
2Reliability
If wood blocks are nailed to the roof, then support stability improves, but roof leaks and deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the support block itself by providing separate mounting brackets that attach to the roof. This eliminates the need to nail or penetrate the roof surface through the support block, thereby preventing leaks while maintaining support stability through the bracket-roof connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the support block and the roof. It provides the secure attachment function while keeping the elastomeric support block itself free of penetrations, thus preventing roof deterioration and leaks caused by improper sealing of fasteners.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid elastomeric blocks are used, then vibration dampening improves, but shipping weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solid elastomeric block by introducing an internal hollow cavity, dividing the monolithic structure into a shell and an internal void space. This segmentation reduces the overall mass and shipping weight of the support block while the elastomeric shell maintains sufficient vibration dampening capabilities through its material properties and structural configuration.
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 elastomeric support system effectively reduces vibration transmission to the roof, extends roof lifespan, and provides a durable, cost-effective solution for supporting rooftop equipment, preventing damage and leaks.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric material forming the support block is arranged to dampen vibration between the roof object and the roof
Implementation Method 2
the support block being formed as a single piece of a self-damping elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.