Gutter Screen Assemblies with Angled Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rain gutter screen assemblies fail to effectively support the screen at inside corners and areas with high water volumes, leading to debris accumulation and water overshoot due to lack of load strength and improper alignment with roof shingles.
Innovation Solution
A screen assembly with a first support frame having an upstanding rim and angled opening for inside corners, and a second support frame with upstanding panels to prevent collapse under heavy loads, secured by screws to the fascia and gutter lips, and a similar design for straight gutters near downspouts with a front rim to catch high water volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen assembly is positioned under adjacent shingles at the roof corner, then the screen can be installed at inside corners, but the screen lacks load strength and the shingles are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: a first support frame for mounting to the roof, a second support frame for mounting to the gutter, and a screen assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the first support frame providing structural support and the screen assembly performing its water-catching function without compromising shingles.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support frame acts as an intermediary structure between the roof shingles and the screen assembly. It mounts to the roof fascia and provides a stable mounting point for the second support frame, thereby supporting the screen without requiring the screen to bear load directly or compromise the shingles.
2Ease of manufacture
If the screen assembly is positioned parallel to shingles on steep roofs, then installation is simplified, but cascading water can skid further and overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is designed with asymmetric positioning relative to the gutter opening. The first support frame extends beyond the gutter opening at an angle, and the screen is positioned accordingly to create an asymmetric configuration that intercepts cascading water more effectively, preventing overshoot while maintaining installation simplicity through the modular design.
3Ease of operation
If the screen is unsupported at inside corners, then installation is easier, but the screen collapses under snow or debris loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a first support frame mounted to the roof and a second support frame mounted to the gutter, with the screen assembly connecting them. This segmentation provides multiple support points that prevent screen collapse under snow or debris loads while maintaining installation ease through the modular, easy-to-assemble design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support frame includes a curved or angled portion that extends beyond the gutter opening, creating a supportive structure that prevents screen collapse under load. This curved geometry provides structural rigidity and distributes forces effectively, maintaining screen stability while preserving installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen assembly for receiving high volumes of water flowing from a roof to a gutter. The screen assembly has a first support frame having an upstanding rim extending around a periphery thereof and being construed to be mounted on the gutter and secured to an adjacent portion of a roof fascia. The first support frame has an opening in a bottom surface thereof that is constructed to be disposed over a gutter opening when the first support frame is mounted on the gutter. The screen assembly has a second support frame having a screen secured thereto and extending over the second support frame. The second support frame has a shape corresponding to that of the first support frame and is mounted thereon in close relationship to and within the upstanding rim of the first support frame, the second support frame being connected to the upstanding rim.