Mounting assembly for securing a device on a standing seam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snow and ice mounting assemblies for metal roofs are costly and time-consuming due to the need for numerous components and complex installations, especially when dealing with standing seams.

Innovation Solution

A modular mounting assembly with a clamp assembly, top block, and cross member assembly that uses a direct 90° interconnection method, reducing the number of components and simplifying the installation process by employing a latch and anchor system with a flange for rotational movement and a coupler channel for ice flags and connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used for metal roofs with standing seams, then the mounting system can securely hold snow and ice, but the number of components increases and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components into an integrated assembly. The cross member assembly includes integrated anchor assemblies that directly engage with the clamp assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners. The latch assembly integrates the locking mechanism directly into the cross member structure, reducing the total component count while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed to universally attach to standing seams on metal roofs while also providing mounting surfaces for multiple cross members. The anchor assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable adjustable positioning, and integrate the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used for metal roofs with standing seams, then the mounting system can securely hold snow and ice, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor assemblies are pre-configured with latch mechanisms that can be quickly engaged with the clamp assembly. The cross member assembly is designed with pre-positioned mounting holes and integrated locking features that eliminate the need for complex alignment and multiple fastening steps during installation, significantly reducing on-roof installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into modular segments (clamp assembly, cross member assemblies with integrated anchors) that can be independently handled and quickly connected. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply connecting the pre-configured modules together rather than assembling multiple small components on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used for metal roofs with standing seams, then the mounting system can securely hold snow and ice, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple components into integrated assemblies (cross members with built-in anchors and latches), the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall material costs while maintaining the required mounting security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3290616B1Mounting assembly for securing a device on a standing seam
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 PMC IND INC
  • EP3290616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3290616B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5D
  • EP3290616B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

A retention apparatus, system and method for attaching a cross member with an anchor assembly to a latch assembly of a top block and clamp assembly secured to a wall, roof or other structure. The retention system is useful to prevent snow, ice and other objects from sliding off a roof. According to an exemplary embodiment, the retention apparatus and system may be secured to a standing seam on a metal roof to use an ice flag for retaining snow and ice between standing seams. The retention apparatus, system and method comprising a fastener securing a top block with a latch assembly to a clamp assembly attached to the standing seam of the metal roof. An cross member configured with an anchor assembly for operably connecting to the latch assembly of the top block by a ninety degree 90° straight-in approach to the latch assembly formed in the top block. One or more cross members may be joined together to form elongated sections using a connector inserted in one or more coupler channels of each of the cross members being joined. Additionally, the one or more coupler channels of the cross member are configured to secure by a tong projection of an ice flag at selected heights, whereby the ice flag is configured with tooth, register edge and projection on an upper portion of the ice flag to connect to a locking projection and a nub projection on the cross member.