Polymeric Membrane Mounting Plate for Non-Piercing Waterproof 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, particularly for securing photovoltaic cells and other equipment, which can lead to structural damage and moisture exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mounting plates with protrusions and various adhesive and bonding methods, including thermoplastic coatings and carrier tapes, to securely attach objects 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:
The patent introduces mounting plates as intermediary components between objects (like photovoltaic cells) and the polymeric membrane. These plates distribute attachment forces over a larger area and can be secured using non-piercing methods such as adhesive bonding or mechanical clamping, thereby maintaining membrane integrity while achieving sufficient attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical piercing attachment methods with alternative bonding mechanisms such as adhesive systems or thermal bonding. This substitution eliminates the need to puncture the membrane, preserving its waterproofing properties while still achieving secure object attachment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-piercing attachment methods are used, then membrane integrity is improved, but attachment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into multiple components: mounting plates, adhesive layers, and reinforcement elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the mounting plate distributes load, the adhesive provides bonding, and reinforcement elements enhance reliability - while collectively maintaining membrane integrity through non-piercing attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite attachment systems combining multiple materials and mechanisms (e.g., metal or polymer mounting plates combined with specialized adhesives, or combinations of mechanical clamping and bonding). This composite approach enhances attachment reliability through synergistic effects while preserving membrane integrity.
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 ensuring waterproof integrity, allowing for tax benefits and extended structural protection.
Implementation Method 1
heating the coating to form a bond between the mounting plate and the polymeric membrane
Implementation Method 2
a bonding material, such as a coating of thermoplastic material or an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system and method to elastically attach an object to a support structure with an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane allows the object attached thereto to elastically extend in a direction away from the support structure as force is exerted on the object. The elastic membrane includes two surface areas, the first surface area extending peripherally along a perimeter a bottom surface of the elastic membrane and a remaining second surface area. The first surface area being thermally bonded to the support structure, while the second surface area remaining separable from the support structure.