Ice Retention Assembly With Compressible Seal For Building Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow and ice accumulation on building facades poses a hazard as they can slide off and fall, causing accidents and property damage, necessitating a controlled method to retain and melt them safely.
Innovation Solution
An ice retention assembly comprising a body with a base and top portion, a seal, and a fastener that compresses against the building surface to securely hold snow and ice, preventing water infiltration and enhancing friction for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snow and ice are allowed to accumulate on building ledges, then they can be retained on the facade, but they may slide off and fall creating hazards for pedestrians and property
Solution Approach 1:
The ice retention assembly is divided into multiple components including a base portion, top portion, seal, and fastener. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function: the base anchors to the building, the seal creates a barrier, and the top portion retains the ice while allowing controlled melting
Solution Approach 2:
A seal component acts as an intermediary between the ice retention assembly and the building facade. The seal prevents water infiltration while allowing the assembly to retain snow and ice, mediating between the retained ice and the building structure
2Reliability
If a fastener compresses the base portion and seal against the building surface, then water infiltration is prevented, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener combines multiple functions into a single component: it anchors the base portion to the building, compresses the seal against the facade to prevent water infiltration, and secures the entire assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed
3Ease of operation
If the top portion is removable from the base portion, then maintenance and installation are simplified, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into a removable top portion and a base portion that remains anchored to the building. This allows the top portion to be easily installed and removed for maintenance while the base portion maintains a secure, permanent connection to the building facade
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
Effectively retains snow and ice on building facades, preventing large pieces from falling and ensuring safe melting, thereby reducing hazards to pedestrians and property.
Implementation Method 1
A fastener may be installable through at least a portion of the base portion. The fastener may be configured to compress the base portion and the seal against a surface.
Implementation Method 2
The seal may be installable in the sealing recess of the base portion. A fastener may be installable through at least a portion of the base portion. The fastener may be configured to compress the base portion and the seal against a surface.
Implementation Method 3
An ice retention assembly may comprise a body, a seal and a fastener. The body may have a base portion and a top portion. The top portion may be removable from the base portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to ice retention assemblies for buildings. The ice retention assemblies may comprise a body, a seal and a fastener. The body may have a base portion and a top portion. The top portion may be removable from the base portion. The base portion may defining a channel that is configured to receive a fastener. The base portion may have a generally planar bottom surface. The base portion may also comprise a sealing recess that is shaped to receive a seal. The seal may be installable in the sealing recess of the base portion. A fastener may be installable through at least a portion of the base portion. The fastener may be configured to compress the base portion and the seal against a surface.