Pin-Based Clamp Assembly for Non-Penetrating Roof Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for metal roofs fail to securely attach devices without damaging the surface, as they loosen due to thermal movement and vibration, and do not meet seismic standards, requiring frequent maintenance and potentially compromising the roof's coating and warranty.
Innovation Solution
A non-penetrating clamp assembly with elongated cylindrical pins and a fastening element that secures into a slot in the standing seam, distributing force evenly and resisting loosening, while also featuring a groove for grounding wires and cables, preventing damage to the roof's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners are used in clamps, then the clamp can be initially secured to the standing seam, but the fasteners loosen due to thermal expansion and contraction, causing the clamp to slide along the seam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces threaded fasteners with a friction-based mechanical system. The clamp uses a friction surface that contacts the standing seam directly, eliminating threads that can loosen. The friction surface maintains constant contact pressure through the clamp's design, providing reliable holding without the loosening problem of threaded fasteners under thermal cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter from threaded engagement to friction-based engagement. By using a friction surface with optimized contact area and pressure distribution, the system adapts to thermal expansion and contraction without loosening, as friction forces adjust dynamically with temperature changes while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps are used to secure devices to the standing seam, then attachment is achieved, but vibration from wind and seismic activity causes fasteners to torque back and loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces torque-dependent threaded fasteners with a friction-based system that is inherently resistant to vibration-induced loosening. The friction surface maintains constant contact with the standing seam, and vibration does not cause the same back-torquing effect that loosens threaded fasteners, eliminating the need for periodic retightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based clamp system is self-adjusting under vibration and thermal conditions, maintaining its holding force without external intervention. The constant friction contact allows the clamp to self-correct minor position shifts caused by vibration, eliminating the need for maintenance retightening that threaded systems require.
3Strength
If conventional clamps are used to attach devices to the metal roof, then secure mounting is achieved, but the clamp may gouge or deform the roof surface, compromising the coating and warranty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a friction surface with specific local properties optimized for contact with the standing seam. The friction surface has a distributed contact area that spreads mounting forces evenly across the seam, preventing localized stress concentrations that would cause gouging or deformation of the roof surface or coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact mechanism from point-contact threaded fasteners to a distributed friction surface. This distributes the mounting load over a larger area of the standing seam, reducing peak stresses that would otherwise gouge or deform the roof surface and compromise the protective coating.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly that may be used for securing to a raised portion of a surface. The clamp assembly comprising a mounting body of a general block shape having a slot for receiving the raised portion formed in a bottom surface of the mounting body attaching the clamp assembly thereto. The clamp assembly is configured with one or more pins that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes formed in the mounting body, whereby the push-pin holes extend to the slot from a side surface of push-pin holes. The clamp assembly includes a fastening element adapted to be received in a fastener hole formed adjacent the push-pin holes in the side surface of the mounting body. The fastening element is configured to secure, attach and hold the clamp assembly to the standing seam by forcing the pins against the raised portion of the surface disposed in the slot.