Gutter Guard with Support Leg and Rear Shoulder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gutter guards face challenges in installation with gutter hangers, particularly due to shoulder interference, and often require fasteners that can lead to water seepage and improper installation, which can result in water accumulation and flow obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A partially recessed roll-formable gutter guard with a downwardly extending support leg that rests on gutter hangers, providing longitudinal rigidity and a friction fit, along with a rear shoulder to accommodate hanger shoulders, and a porous surface with angled features to direct water away from the fascia and prevent accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a recessed gutter guard with front lip is used to stop fast-moving water, then water flow control is improved, but large quantities of fast-flowing water can overwhelm the apertures and spill over the front lip, reducing drainage effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rearward slope to the guard surface, creating a third dimensional aspect (longitudinal inclination) in addition to the front lip height. This slope causes water to flow backward toward the gutter inlet rather than accumulating at the front, effectively managing large quantities of fast-flowing water by redirecting them along the sloped surface into the gutter through the apertures.
2Ease of operation
If gutter hangers with shoulders are used to secure the gutter, then installation ease is improved, but the shoulders inhibit the ability to install a guard deeper into the gutter, preventing proper recessed installation
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter guard is segmented into distinct functional zones: a front section with apertures for drainage, a rearward-sloping section for water flow management, and a rear section that interfaces with the gutter hanger shoulder. This segmentation allows the guard to achieve proper recessed installation depth despite the presence of hanger shoulders, as the rear section can be positioned at the appropriate depth while maintaining the overall guard function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the guard have different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The rear section has a configuration optimized for interfacing with the hanger shoulder (providing proper support depth), while the front and middle sections maintain the aperture pattern and rearward slope needed for water management. This local differentiation resolves the conflict between hanger shoulder constraints and recessed installation requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners are used at the rear of the guard to secure it, then installation stability is improved, but the chance of water seepage into the underlying fascia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastening function from the rear of the guard, extracting it from the overall system. Instead of using fasteners that penetrate the fascia and create potential water seepage paths, the guard relies on friction fit between its rear surface and the gutter interior, combined with the structural support from the gutter hangers. This eliminates the harmful effect of water seepage while maintaining installation stability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard achieves secure installation without rear fasteners by utilizing the friction fit between its rear surface and the gutter, combined with the support provided by the gutter hangers. The guard's own weight and the friction force it generates are sufficient to hold it in place, making additional fasteners unnecessary and thereby preventing water seepage paths that fasteners would create.
4Ease of operation
If the rear of the guard is pushed down hard to seat it below its most effective height, then installation simplicity is improved, but the guard may bend or obstruct water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter hangers are pre-installed at the correct height and position before the guard is installed. This preliminary action establishes the proper support level, allowing the guard to be installed at the correct height without requiring forceful pushing down. The pre-positioned hangers provide immediate support that prevents the guard from being pushed too low, thereby maintaining both installation simplicity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter hangers act as a cushioning support system that prevents the guard from being pushed down too far. The hangers provide a mechanical stop that cushions against excessive downward force, protecting the guard from bending while still allowing simple installation. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if installation force is applied, the guard cannot be pushed below its effective height.
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
Facilitates easy installation without rear fasteners, minimizes water accumulation, and ensures proper water flow by providing longitudinal rigidity and a secure friction fit, while accommodating gutter hanger shoulders and directing water effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a porous surface for substantially spanning the width of the gutter
Implementation Method 2
angled features to direct water away from the fascia and prevent accumulation
Implementation Method 3
providing longitudinal rigidity and a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A rain gutter guard comprises a downward leg for abutting gutter hangers when the guard is urged down into the gutter. A shoulder of the guard accommodates the shoulder of the gutter hangers. A front attachment flap secures the front of the guard to the gutter while the rear is retained by friction fit of an angled segment against the building fascia. An upstanding wall separates the central portion from the attachment flap. The central portion is inclined rearward and the attachment flap inclines to the front.