Polymeric Membrane Mounting Plate for Waterproof Roof Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching objects to polymeric membranes, such as those used in roofing, often result in damage to the membrane and do not provide secure, waterproof attachments, especially when objects are unattached or detachable, leading to potential exposure of the underlying structure to environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
The use of mounting plates with protrusions and various attachment mechanisms, including adhesives and carrier tapes, that allow for secure attachment of objects like photovoltaic cells to polymeric membranes without piercing the membrane, using thermoplastic or thermoset materials, and employing bonding agents like thermoplastic coatings or tapes to ensure a strong yet detachable bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects are attached to polymeric membranes using existing methods, then attachment security is improved, but membrane damage occurs and waterproof integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the object and the polymeric membrane. The mounting plate distributes attachment forces across a larger area of the membrane, preventing concentrated stress points that would cause damage. The plate can be secured using multiple small fasteners or adhesive distributed across its surface, rather than single-point attachment, thereby maintaining membrane integrity while achieving secure object attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct components: the mounting plate and the polymeric membrane. This segmentation allows the plate to bear the mechanical attachment loads while the membrane maintains its waterproof function. The plate acts as a separate structural element that interfaces with both the membrane and the object, isolating the membrane from direct mechanical stress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objects are made detachable from polymeric membranes, then adaptability is improved, but waterproof integrity is compromised due to potential exposure of underlying structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as a removable intermediary that can be detached from the object while remaining attached to the membrane, or completely removed. When detached, the plate itself acts as a protective cover for the underlying structure, maintaining waterproof integrity even when the object is removed. This allows adaptability for object relocation while preserving the membrane's protective function.
3Strength
If piercing methods are used to attach objects to polymeric membranes, then attachment strength is improved, but membrane integrity and waterproofing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented from the membrane structure. The mounting plate provides the mechanical strength for attachment through its connection to the object, while the membrane maintains its integrity by not being pierced. The plate transfers attachment loads to the membrane through distributed contact forces rather than concentrated piercing forces, preserving the membrane's continuous protective barrier.
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
This method provides a secure and waterproof attachment of objects to polymeric membranes, reducing the risk of damage to the membrane and ensuring that the attachment does not compromise the membrane's integrity, while also allowing for tax benefits by enabling the secure installation of photovoltaic cells on roofs.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting plate secured to polymeric membrane with an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
employing bonding agents like thermoplastic coatings or tapes to ensure a strong yet detachable bond
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coupling a polymeric membrane to a structure are described herein. In some instances, the systems and methods for coupling polymeric membranes to structures is applicable to mounting structures onto polymeric membranes forming part of roofing structure. Particularly, the methods and systems described herein may be applicable to securing external structures, such as photovoltaic cells to a polymeric membrane, such as a thermoplastic membrane.