Gutter Guard Clips for Heating Cable Routing and Moss Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gutter guard systems face issues with debris collection, water flow obstruction, and inefficiency in melting frozen water, particularly in multi-part systems with low thermal conductance materials, leading to ice dam formation and high installation costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of clips affixed to the underside of gutter guards to route heating cables and incorporate copper or moss-killing elements, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, while preventing moss and mold growth without clogging the water-receiving area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heat cables are installed on multi-part gutter guard systems with low thermal conductance materials, then the heating function is provided, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient requiring excessive electric power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermally conductive intermediary layer between the heat cable and the low thermal conductance gutter guard material. This intermediary acts as a heat transfer mediator, improving thermal coupling and reducing the electric power needed to achieve effective de-icing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite heating structure combining the heat cable, thermally conductive material, and gutter guard components. This composite construction enhances overall thermal conductance while maintaining the protective function of the original gutter guard materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If copper or moss-killing elements are incorporated into gutter guards, then moss and mold growth is prevented, but the water-receiving area may become clogged due to excessive corrosive or oxidized elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoss and mold preventionVSAvoidclogging from oxidized elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copper or moss-killing elements selectively in specific locations and at controlled concentrations within the gutter guard structure. This localized application provides effective moss and mold prevention while minimizing the amount of corrosive material that could leach into the water-receiving area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous or mesh structures that allow controlled passage of water while retaining moss-killing elements. The porous material enables water flow through the gutter guard while preventing excessive leaching of corrosive copper ions into the collected water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of operation

If clips are added to route heating cables through gutter guards, then installation ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gutter guard system into modular segments with integrated clips at regular intervals. This segmentation allows the heating cable to be easily routed through pre-positioned clip locations without requiring complex custom installation, while the modular nature keeps individual clip components simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient water flow, effective melting of frozen water, and prevention of icicle formation, while being cost-effective and easy to install, with reduced risk of moss and mold growth, maintaining gutter functionality in freezing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heating cable positioned adjacent to the front lip of the gutter and positioned adjacent to a lower surface of the gutter guard

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

which has sufficiently small holes therein that debris cannot pass through and this fine mesh filter element, which is formed as a thin flexible screen material, is supported upon a rigid underlying support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

incorporate copper or other moss killing elements in a ratio of element to screen or water receiving area that ensures the killing of moss or mold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11549266B2Agent dispersing method

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SAGER KAREN M

AI summary

The method includes dispersing copper or other material ions through the water receiving area of a gutter guard for the prevention of moss or mold growth. The method includes the utilization of thread(s) sewn into or embroidered onto or otherwised affixed to or immediately preceding the water receiving areas of a gutter guard, such thread(s) being comprised of moss killing materials. The thread(s) comprise only a portion of the water receiving area, so if corrosive elements form and wash over the water receiving area, they will be in sufficient amounts to kill moss but not in so great an amount as to clog any water receiving apertures. The method includes the utilization of staples or other objects comprised of copper or other moss killing materials fastened to or adhered or welded to the body or water receiving areas of a gutter guard or areas immediately preceding such.