Self-supporting gutter guard with integrated truss structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gutter guards often require complex support structures or corrugations to prevent debris from entering gutters, which can lead to reduced permeability and increased manufacturing costs, while self-supporting corrugated designs may not effectively allow debris to roll off and can be inefficient in terms of flat surface area.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting gutter guard system utilizing a micromesh material with integrated trusses that span the gutter opening, eliminating the need for separate support structures and allowing for a more permeable surface, with trusses providing enhanced strength and debris management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional gutter guards use complex support structures or corrugations to prevent debris entry, then structural strength is improved, but permeability is reduced and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and the gutter guard body into a single integrated component. The C-shaped cross-section provides both structural support and debris blocking functionality, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter guard utilizes a thin-walled C-shaped structure that provides sufficient strength through its geometric configuration rather than through thick walls or complex bracing. The thin film design maintains high permeability while the C-shape provides the necessary rigidity to prevent debris entry
2Device complexity
If self-supporting corrugated designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flat surface area is decreased and debris management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped cross-section acts as an self-supporting thin shell structure that maintains its shape without requiring corrugations or additional bracing. This design preserves large flat surface areas on the top and bottom walls of the C-shape, providing ample area for debris to roll off while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped configuration utilizes curved surfaces that facilitate debris movement. The curved bottom wall and angled sides create a smooth pathway for debris to roll toward the gutter opening, improving debris management efficiency compared to flat or corrugated surfaces
3Strength
If gutter guards use traditional framed support structures, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the guard body are merged into a single C-shaped extrusion. This can be manufactured as one continuous piece using extrusion or forming processes, eliminating the need for separate frames, brackets, and fasteners, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped thin-walled structure provides sufficient strength through its geometric configuration, allowing it to be manufactured from thin materials using simple forming or extrusion processes. This eliminates the need for complex framing systems and reduces manufacturing steps
Data Source
AI summary
A self-supporting gutter guard device is described, comprising: a bridge member composed of a sheet or micro-mesh decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side; at least one truss spanning a top surface of the bridge member from a proximal end of the bridge member's roof side to a proximal end of the bridge member's gutter lip side; a roof attachment member attached to an end section of the roof side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a roof; and a gutter attachment member attached to an end section of the gutter lip side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a gutter lip, wherein the device is self-supporting.