Modular Roof Outlet Body with Universal Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof outlets are inflexible and often need to be exchanged due to varying roof surface materials, leading to delayed and costly projects as they are typically ordered too late and may be out of stock, necessitating different types for specific membrane materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular roof outlet system comprising an outlet body and covering members with a common interface, allowing the same outlet body to be adapted to different surface layers using various covering members, each with specific fastening and sealing means, enabling flexible use and reduced inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different types of roof outlets are used for different membrane materials, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roof outlet is divided into two separable components: a universal outlet body and a membrane-specific covering member. The outlet body contains a standardized interface that can accept different covering members, while each covering member is designed to seal with specific membrane materials. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple membrane types without requiring multiple complete outlet assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of covering members. This single outlet body can serve multiple functions by accepting different covering members for different membrane materials (elastomer, rubber fabric, bituminous felt, mastic asphalt), eliminating the need for separate outlet types for each membrane type.
2Loss of time
If roof outlets are ordered early in the building process, then project delays are reduced, but the risk of having incorrect outlets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal outlet body with its standardized interface can accept any covering member from the set, allowing the same outlet body to be used regardless of which membrane material is ultimately selected. This enables early ordering of outlet bodies without risking incompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic configuration where the covering member can be changed to match the selected membrane material. The outlet body remains constant while the covering member is adapted to the specific application, providing flexibility throughout the building process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of roof outlets are stocked, then all membrane types can be served, but the inventory cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the outlet into a universal body and specialized covering members, the inventory strategy shifts from stocking multiple complete outlet assemblies to stocking one type of outlet body and a variety of interchangeable covering members. This reduces the total inventory quantity while maintaining the ability to serve all membrane types.
Solution Approach 2:
A single outlet body design serves all membrane types when paired with the appropriate covering member. This universality eliminates the need to maintain separate inventory lines for different outlet types, reducing overall inventory complexity and quantity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention concerns an outlet body (2) with a drain channel (7), the outlet body (2) being intended for a roof outlet (1) for a roof with a waterproof surface layer, the roof outlet (1) being of the type including: - a covering member (3) connectable with the outlet body (2). The outlet body is distinguished in being a part of a modular construction, the outlet body (2) having a first interface portion (8) that is complementary and connectable to a second interface portion (9) of any of a plurality of different covering members (3) each being adapted to provide a seal with a different type of surface layer, so that the outlet body (2) can be used in conjunction with a plurality of different types of surface layers. The invention also concerns a covering member, a roof outlet and two methods for sealing a roof outlet (1) to a roof.