Metal Panel Mounting Clamp for Damage-Free Seam Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for structures on metal panels, such as roofs, often damage the panels or their joints, leading to leakage, corrosion, and aesthetic issues, while being complex and costly to install.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with a body and clamping fastener that securely engages panel projections without puncturing the metal panel, using apertures and hooks to clamp onto ribs or seams, allowing for quick and damage-free installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are driven against the panel projection to secure the mounting device, then the mounting device is securely attached, but the panel projection is damaged (scratched, bent, or deformed)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the clamping fastener engaging with the body's apertures and the panel projection) that transfers the attachment force without direct contact between the fastener and panel projection. The body acts as a mediator that distributes and redirects forces, allowing secure attachment while protecting the panel projection from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is segmented into distinct functional components: the body with apertures, the clamping fastener, and the panel projection engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the body provides structural support and force distribution, the fastener provides adjustable clamping force, and the engagement features provide secure attachment - while preventing any single component from causing panel damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to assemble the mounting device, then the attachment can be adjusted and secured, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated assembly where the body, clamping fastener, and engagement features work together as a unified system. This merging maintains adaptability through the adjustable fastener while reducing installation complexity compared to traditional multi-component systems, as the components are designed to work together seamlessly with standardized interfaces.
3Strength
If the mounting device squeezes the roof joint to secure attachment, then the attachment strength increases, but the roof joint can no longer float on the support and thermal movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device applies local quality by concentrating the clamping force at specific engagement points (the apertures and clamping surfaces) rather than distributing it across the entire roof joint. This localized force application provides secure attachment at the mounting points while leaving the roof joint's ability to float and move thermally elsewhere in the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the roof joint to maintain its floating capability for thermal movement while the mounting device provides static secure attachment. The system adapts to thermal expansion and contraction by permitting joint movement while maintaining firm mounting through the clamping mechanism's flexible engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system selectively engageable to a panel projection extending from a metal panel defining a surface of a building. The mounting system comprises a mounting device with a body with a wall. First and second legs extend from the wall and are flexible with respect to the wall. The first leg comprises a first aperture that is unthreaded and which has a first interior diameter. The second leg comprises a second aperture which has a second interior diameter that is less than the first interior diameter. The second aperture may optionally be threaded. The mounting system further comprises a clamping fastener with a shaft that may extend into the first aperture and out of the second aperture. The clamping fastener may be tightened to draw the first and second legs together to engage the panel projection and removably secure the mounting device to the panel projection.