Mounting Plate Bonding for Non-Penetrating Polymeric Membranes
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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-preventing solutions, leading to potential damage from debris and moisture ingress, especially when objects are unsecured or pierce the membrane.
Innovation Solution
The use of mounting plates with protrusions and various attachment mechanisms, including adhesives and thermoplastic coatings, to securely attach objects like photovoltaic cells to polymeric membranes without piercing, utilizing materials like steel, aluminum, or PVC, and employing carrier tapes and adhesives like 3M VHB for secure bonding while allowing for detachment without damaging the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects are attached to polymeric membranes using existing methods, then attachment is achieved, but the membrane may be damaged or compromised by debris and moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting plate as an intermediary component between the object (e.g., photovoltaic cell) and the polymeric membrane. The mounting plate provides a secure attachment surface for the object while preventing direct contact between the object and membrane, thereby eliminating the risk of membrane damage from debris and moisture ingress. The mounting plate acts as a protective barrier that maintains the integrity of the membrane while achieving reliable object attachment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If objects are unsecured on polymeric membranes, then membrane integrity is maintained, but objects may move and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as a mediator that decouples the object from direct contact with the membrane. The object is securely fastened to the mounting plate using conventional fastening methods, while the mounting plate itself is attached to the membrane in a manner that preserves membrane integrity. This intermediary structure provides object stability without compromising the membrane, as the mounting plate bears the mechanical loads rather than the membrane.
3Reliability
If objects are attached by piercing the membrane, then secure attachment is achieved, but the membrane is compromised and vulnerable to moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate provides a non-piercing attachment method where the object is fastened to the plate surface rather than through the membrane. Conventional fasteners attach the object to the mounting plate without penetrating the polymeric membrane, thereby maintaining the membrane's continuous protective barrier against moisture ingress while achieving secure object attachment through the intermediary mounting plate structure.
4Reliability
If adhesive materials are used to attach mounting plates to membranes, then secure bonding is achieved, but detachment may damage the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoplastic adhesive materials that change their physical properties with temperature. During installation, the thermoplastic adhesive is heated to become pliable and forms a strong bond between the mounting plate and membrane. During detachment, heating the thermoplastic adhesive again softens it, allowing the mounting plate to be removed without damaging the membrane. This parameter change (temperature-dependent viscosity change) enables both strong bonding and damage-free detachment.
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 solution provides a secure and damage-resistant attachment of objects to polymeric membranes, preventing moisture ingress and reducing the risk of membrane damage, while enabling tax benefits for attached photovoltaic cells, and is applicable to various applications including roofing and waterproofing.
Implementation Method 1
heating the coating to form a bond between the mounting plate and the polymeric membrane
Implementation Method 2
coating of thermoplastic material... heating the coating to form a bond
Implementation Method 3
a bonding material, such as a coating of thermoplastic material or an adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate utilized to attach an object to a mounting system. The mounting plate includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base is bonded to a membrane of the mounting system. A housing is raised from the top surface of the base, the housing creates a contact surface area to support the object. A first member is raised from the top surface; the first member has a surface at a height flush with the contact surface area of the housing. A hole extends through the thickness of the housing.