Multi-Purpose Roof-Top Support with Conical Base for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof support systems for commercial and industrial buildings are inefficient due to their inability to easily adjust height, require multiple supports, and often cause damage to roofs due to uneven surfaces and aggregate accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose roof-top support system featuring a top plate with adjustable height and adaptable configurations for various objects, including pipes and struts, utilizing a rotating base plate with conical design and perforations to allow rainwater and aggregate passage, and securement options like T-straps and threaded rods, constructed from UV-resistant and temperature-stable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roof support systems (boards, strut channel stands, suspension straps) are used, then multiple supports are required to handle uneven roof surfaces, but this increases device complexity and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single support structure that can handle multiple functions: accommodating uneven roof surfaces through the conical base plate, supporting various objects (pipes, struts, rods) through different attachment methods, and providing adjustable height. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized support types (boards, strut channel stands, suspension straps) and reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional support systems are used on uneven roofs, then aggregate accumulates on the roof surface, but this causes damage to the roof membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using a conical base plate instead of a flat surface. The conical shape naturally sheds aggregate and rainwater, preventing accumulation that would damage the roof membrane. The curved surface allows the support to accommodate uneven roof surfaces while directing water and aggregate away from the roof, eliminating the harmful effect of aggregate buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating a perforated plate within the base plate structure. The perforations allow rainwater and aggregate to pass through the base plate, preventing water accumulation and reducing the weight load on the roof. This also helps in shedding aggregate naturally, preventing roof membrane damage while maintaining ease of installation on uneven surfaces.
3Productivity
If fixed-height supports are used, then installation is quick, but adjustments are required when roof surfaces shift, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable height mechanism with a threaded rod and nut assembly. This allows the support height to be dynamically adjusted after installation if roof surfaces shift or settle. The quick-release feature enables tool-free adjustment, maintaining installation speed while significantly improving reliability by accommodating future roof movements without requiring complete reinstallation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized supports are used for different objects, then each object can be properly supported, but maintenance and adjustments require tools and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single support structure with multiple attachment methods (T-straps for pipes, direct mounting for struts, threaded rod holes for rods) that can support various objects. The quick-release feature provides tool-free adjustment capability for all object types, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each object type while maintaining proper support for pipes, struts, and rods.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-purpose universal support is disclosed that can be configured to support multiple pipes, pipe junctions, vertical strut channels, horizontal strut channels, and thread rods. The disclosed support system allows for quicker installation, easy height adjustments, and a fewer supports than previously known supports.