Building Ice Retention Bracket with Textured Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-rise buildings in cold climates face the challenge of ice and snow accumulation on ledges and facades, which can be dislodged by wind, posing safety risks to pedestrians and property.
Innovation Solution
A retention system comprising a bracket with a textured surface, a bar system with various geometric profiles, and a seal, designed to securely attach to building surfaces and manage the retention and slow release of snow and ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snow and ice are allowed to accumulate naturally on building surfaces, then the building maintains its natural appearance and requires minimal intervention, but wind can dislodge large pieces creating safety risks to pedestrians and property
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system divides the snow and ice mass into smaller, controlled sections using multiple brackets and bars positioned at intervals along the building facade. This segmentation prevents large monolithic pieces from forming and being dislodged by wind, while maintaining overall structural integrity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system introduces intermediate structural elements (brackets and bars) between the building surface and the snow/ice accumulation. These intermediaries provide mechanical support and distribution of forces, preventing direct wind interaction with large ice masses while maintaining natural accumulation patterns.
2Reliability
If a retention system is installed to prevent ice and snow dislodgement, then safety is improved, but the system adds complexity and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is designed to be largely self-maintaining through passive operation. The brackets and bars provide continuous mechanical support without requiring active control systems, power sources, or frequent human intervention. The system relies on natural snow and ice properties and gravitational forces, minimizing operational complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Strength
If the bracket uses a textured surface for mounting, then adhesion and retention capability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The textured surface is applied locally to specific mounting surfaces of the brackets where adhesion is critical, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized texturing provides enhanced mechanical interlocking and adhesion properties at key interfaces while minimizing the overall manufacturing complexity and precision requirements for the entire bracket assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention system may comprise a bracket, a bar system, a seal and a bonded washer. The bracket may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be operatively coupled together at an angle θ. The bracket may also have a texture. The bracket may define a mounting surface. The bar system may comprise a bar installable in the bracket. The seal may be installable in the bracket and disposed beneath the mounting surface. The bonded washer may be installable on and compressible against the mounting surface.