Modular support system and clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rooftop support structures for equipment require lengthy assembly times, are not customizable, and often necessitate permanent fasteners, limiting their adaptability and increasing installation time and component count.
Innovation Solution
A modular rooftop support system utilizing U-shaped clamps and telescoping rods, allowing for quick assembly and customization through modular components, including adjustable height and easy installation via telescoping rods and clamps with tabs and threaded fasteners to secure beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rooftop support structures use permanent fasteners and fixed assembly methods, then structural reliability is improved, but installation time increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components (base, telescoping rod, clamp, equipment platform) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for quick assembly without permanent fasteners while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping rod provides adjustable length capability, allowing the support structure to adapt to different equipment heights and configurations. This dynamic adjustment feature enables single installation for multiple configurations, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability through locked position mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rooftop support structures use fixed assembly methods, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components (base, telescoping rod, clamp) are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate various equipment types and configurations. The standardized connection methods allow the same components to serve multiple functions across different installation scenarios, achieving customization without complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable telescoping rod and reconfigurable clamp assembly enable the same manufactured components to adapt to different height requirements and equipment configurations, providing customization capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized parts.
3Strength
If traditional support structures require permanent fasteners, then structural strength is improved, but ease of installation and modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses separable modular components with standardized connection interfaces instead of permanent fasteners. This allows the structure to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining strength through proper mechanical connections and locking mechanisms during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and telescoping rod are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and locking features that enable quick assembly and secure connection without requiring permanent fasteners, achieving both ease of installation and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A rooftop support system can include a base to support the rooftop support structure on a rooftop, and a post secured to and extending upwardly from the base. The rooftop support system can further include a clamp secured to the post to be supported by the post relative to the base. The clamp can include a first wall, a second wall extending from the first wall, and a third wall extending from the second wall, so that the first, second, and third walls at least partly define an interior volume of the clamp. A tab can extend from the third wall at least partly toward the first wall to further define the interior volume.