One Piece Hip and Ridge Shingle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hip and ridge shingles, especially those made from synthetic materials, are challenging to install and often result in aesthetically undesirable exposed undersides, requiring time-consuming methods to achieve a pleasing appearance.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely designed one-piece shingle made from a blend of high and low molecular weight polyethylene resins, featuring a flexible ridge portion, notch, alignment indicator, and ribs, which allows for easier installation and aesthetic appeal by accommodating various roof pitches and hiding the underside effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synthetic shingles are used for hip and ridge applications, then the shingles provide durability and weather resistance, but they are difficult to install and require time-consuming double course installation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The shingle is divided into distinct functional segments: a visible face portion for aesthetic appearance and a hidden underside portion with an open cell structure for installation flexibility. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shingle incorporates a three-dimensional bent configuration with a ridge portion that curves upward, transforming a flat two-dimensional shingle into a three-dimensional structure that naturally accommodates hip and ridge roof geometries, eliminating the need for complex double course installation.
2Reliability
If synthetic shingles with open cell structure are used, then the shingles provide durability and consistency in appearance, but the underside is exposed and aesthetically undesirable when cut
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic open cell underside is extracted and concealed within the bent shingle structure. The ridge portion is configured to cover the underside of adjacent shingles, effectively removing the aesthetic defect from the visible surface while preserving the structural benefits of the open cell design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden underside portion with its open cell structure is nested within the bent shingle configuration, where the ridge portion acts as a protective covering that shields the nested open cell structure from view while maintaining its structural functionality.
3Shape
If double course of shingles is installed along the center point, then an aesthetically pleasing result is achieved, but the installation becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple shingles into a single integrated unit. The bent shingle with its ridge portion simultaneously provides the aesthetic appearance of a properly aligned shingle and the structural coverage needed for hip and ridge applications, eliminating the need for separate double course installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The shingle is pre-configured with a bent ridge portion during manufacturing, performing the complex shaping action in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site bending and alignment operations, allowing installers to simply attach the pre-formed shingle to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a one piece shingle for use on roof ridges and hips. Shingles of the invention are preferably formed from synthetic materials and preferably comprise a blend of high and low molecular weight polyethylene resins. The unique blend of materials provides a shingle that is both strong while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit the shingle to bend to accommodate a variety of pitches at a ridge or hip. Unique features of the shape and structure of the shingle also make it particularly suited to hip and ridge applications. Furthermore, methods of manufacturing hip and ridge shingles are also disclosed.