Membrane Mounting Plate for Secure Non-Penetrating Attachment

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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 due to debris accumulation and lack of secure attachment, which can lead to water penetration and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

A system involving a mounting plate with protrusions and adhesives or coatings that securely attach objects like photovoltaic cells to polymeric membranes without piercing them, using thermoplastic or thermoset materials, and employing elastic membranes to absorb forces and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If objects are attached to polymeric membranes using existing methods, then attachment is achieved, but the membrane is damaged due to debris accumulation and lack of secure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmembrane damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

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 securely attached to the membrane and provides a stable base for mounting objects, preventing direct contact between debris and the membrane while ensuring secure attachment without piercing the membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is designed with features that prevent debris accumulation before it can cause damage to the membrane. By providing a raised mounting surface and proper drainage paths, the system cushions the membrane against harmful effects of debris and water accumulation in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 a secure, damage-resistant attachment of objects to polymeric membranes, preventing debris-induced damage and ensuring waterproofing by using elastic membranes to absorb forces and maintain membrane integrity.

Implementation Method 1

A mounting plate with protrusions and adhesives or coatings that securely attach objects like photovoltaic cells to polymeric membranes without piercing them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

employing elastic membranes to absorb forces and prevent damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8623158B2System for mounting objects to polymeric membranes
Publication Date: 2014.01.07 BWDT
  • US8623158B2 patent drawing
  • US8623158B2 patent drawing
  • US8623158B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method to attach an object to a support structure, the system including a fastener having an anti-rotational member, a mounting plate having a raised portion adapted to receive the fastener, and an elastic membrane. The fastener is sandwiched between the mounting plate and the elastic membrane. The raised portion forms a cavity having an inner surface. The inner surface abuts against the surfaces of the fastener, which in turn restricts movement.