Polymeric Membrane Mounting Plate for Non-Penetrating Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching objects to polymeric membranes, such as those used in roofing, lack effective and damage-free solutions, leading to potential damage to the membrane and environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a mounting plate with protrusions and various attachment mechanisms, including adhesives and coatings, that securely attach objects like photovoltaic cells to polymeric membranes without piercing, ensuring durability and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If piercing methods are used to attach objects to polymeric membranes, then attachment strength is improved, but membrane integrity and waterproofing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the object (e.g., photovoltaic cell) and the polymeric membrane. The mounting plate is attached to the membrane using non-piercing methods (adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or thermal bonding), and the object is then secured to the mounting plate. This intermediary approach eliminates the need to pierce the membrane directly, preserving its integrity and waterproofing while still achieving secure attachment of the object.
2Reliability
If non-piercing attachment methods are used, then membrane integrity is preserved, but attachment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple functional components: the mounting plate (which provides structural support and attachment points), the membrane interface (which preserves membrane integrity through non-piercing attachment), and the object interface (which ensures secure object attachment). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both membrane preservation and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate may utilize composite materials or multiple material layers to achieve both strong object attachment and gentle membrane interface. For example, the mounting plate could have a rigid portion for securing the object and a softer, adhesive-backed portion for contacting the membrane, combining different material properties to satisfy conflicting requirements.
3Strength
If multiple attachment components are used, then attachment security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment functions are merged into a single integrated mounting plate component. Rather than using separate components for membrane attachment and object securing, the mounting plate combines these functions in one element, reducing the number of parts and simplifying installation while maintaining secure attachment through its integrated design.
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
The system provides secure attachment of objects to polymeric membranes while preventing damage to the membrane and environmental exposure, offering tax benefits for photovoltaic cell installations and enhancing waterproofing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive material is disposed between the mounting plate and the polymeric membrane
Implementation Method 2
heating the coating to bond the mounting plate to the polymeric membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to attach an object to a support structure. The system includes an object attached to an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane includes a lower surface having a first and a second surface area. The first surface area extends peripherally along at least a portion of the lower surface and the second surface area is at least partially enclosed within the first surface area and separable from the support structure. The system further includes an absorbent material attached to the first surface area and an adhesive applied to a top surface of the support structure. The absorbent material being adapted to bond with at least a portion of the adhesive.