Gutter Extension Fastening with Elastic Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downspout extensions in gutter systems are prone to dislodgment during weather events and can be cumbersome when permanently attached, posing maintenance challenges for landscapes and grass.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with mounting members and a flexible linkage member that securely attaches a downspout extension to a downspout elbow joint, allowing for easy removal and reattachment, using grommets or washers for secure placement and a hex head drive configuration for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the downspout extension is permanently attached to the downspout, then the extension is securely fixed and will not dislodge during weather events, but it becomes burdensome for maintaining surrounding landscapes and grass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment system. The fastening system with linkage members allows the downspout extension to be securely attached during normal conditions but easily removed when maintenance is needed, making the attachment state changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into separate components: mounting members attached to the downspout extension, linkage members connecting the mounting members to the downspout, and release mechanisms. This segmentation allows the extension to be detached by removing the linkage members without permanently fixing the extension to the downspout.
2Ease of operation
If the downspout extension is not attached to the downspout, then it is easy to remove and reinstall for maintenance, but it can dislodge during weather events such as heavy rain or wind
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system provides dynamic attachment that can transition between secured and removed states. The linkage members with mounting members create a secure connection during weather events while allowing easy removal when maintenance is required, adapting the attachment level to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting members and linkage members act as intermediary components between the downspout extension and the downspout. These intermediaries provide the secure connection needed to prevent dislodgment during weather events while allowing controlled removal for maintenance, mediating between the need for security and removability.
3Reliability
If a traditional fastening method is used to secure the downspout extension, then the extension is held firmly in place, but the fastening components may interfere with the elbow joint area
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting members are positioned in dimensions away from the elbow joint overlap area, attaching to the downspout extension and downspout at locations that do not interfere with the joint. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows secure fastening without interfering with the elbow joint functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into separate mounting members and linkage members that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the mounting members to be placed on the exterior surfaces away from the joint area while the linkage members connect them, separating the fastening function from the joint area.
Data Source
AI summary
A gutter fastening system for a building allows a downspout extension to be selectively attached to an elbow joint of a downspout. A plurality of mounting members that can be screws are screwed through the downspout and/or the downspout extension. A flexible elastic piece that serves as a linkage member is then placed on a first portion of the screws and secures the downspout extension to the downspout. The elastic piece is selectively removable from the downspout and the downspout extension allowing the downspout extension to be removed from the downspout.