Inverted Drip Edge Anchor Bar Bottom Roof Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip edges require anchoring at the top of a roof and a secondary operation to waterproof the roof flange, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A drip edge design featuring an anchor bar with a base portion, offset leg, cover flange, clip flange, drip flange, and sealing flange, along with a cover plate that includes snap locks, allowing for secure fastening without top anchoring and eliminating the need for a secondary waterproofing operation by using non-curing sealant and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drip edges are used, then anchoring at the top of the roof provides secure attachment, but it requires additional anchoring operations and complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
The drip edge is inverted from traditional top-anchoring design to bottom-anchoring design. The curved base portion engages with the roof membrane at the bottom edge, eliminating the need for top anchoring operations while maintaining secure attachment through the inverted configuration that leverages the roof membrane itself as the anchoring surface
Solution Approach 2:
The roof membrane serves a dual function: it acts as both the waterproofing layer and the anchoring surface for the drip edge. The curved base portion utilizes the existing roof membrane to provide secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate anchoring operations and allowing the system to self-anchor without additional components or steps
2Reliability
If traditional drip edges are used, then fastening to the roof flange provides secure mounting, but it requires a secondary operation to waterproof the roof flange
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function and waterproofing function are merged into a single integrated operation. The curved base portion simultaneously secures the drip edge to the roof edge and creates a waterproof seal, eliminating the need for separate fastening and waterproofing operations that are required by traditional drip edge systems
Solution Approach 2:
The curved base portion performs multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the drip edge to the roof membrane, seals the interface between the drip edge and roof, and prevents water infiltration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for secondary waterproofing operations and improves overall installation efficiency
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and sealants are used, then secure attachment and waterproofing are achieved, but the number of components and operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function and sealing function are merged into the curved base portion itself. The curved geometry provides both mechanical attachment through engagement with the roof membrane and waterproof sealing through its conformal contact, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and sealant materials that would otherwise be required
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
Enables secure attachment of the drip edge to a roof edge without top anchoring and simplifies the waterproofing process, ensuring a watertight seal without additional operations.
Implementation Method 1
A non-curing sealant is applied to the plurality of lengthwise grooves
Implementation Method 2
The snap lock snaps over the retention projection to secure the cover plate to the anchor bar
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of horizontal grooves engage the roof membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A drip edge preferably includes an anchor bar and a cover plate. The anchor bar includes a base portion, an offset leg, a cover flange, a clip flange, a drip flange and a sealing flange. A plurality of fastener openings are formed through a length of the base portion. An offset leg extends from a bottom of the base portion and the cover flange extends from a bottom of the offset leg. The sealing flange extends inward from a top of the base portion. The drip flange extends outward from the top of the base portion. The clip flange extends outward from the base portion, below the drip flange. A retention projection extends upward from an end of the clip flange. The cover plate includes a top clip end and a bottom clip end. The top clip end includes an inward extending snap lock.