Pivoting Rooftop Mounting Connector for Adjustable Equipment Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop support systems lack adjustability during positioning and are not versatile enough to accommodate various types of equipment such as air conditioners, ventilation equipment, pipes, electrical boxes, and roof screens, making them prone to damage from extreme forces like winds and storms.
Innovation Solution
A structural mounting system featuring an adjustable base connector that pivots about a base cap, allowing for easy connection to frame elements, and includes a base gasket for weather protection, with adjustable riser creases and a sealant chamber for secure fastening, enabling support for diverse rooftop equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed base connector design is used, then the structure is simple, but adjustability during positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The base connector incorporates a pivotable joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during installation. The connector can rotate about a vertical axis relative to the base cap, enabling workers to position frame elements at various angles before final tightening, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base connector is divided into separate components: a base cap fixed to the support, a pivotable connector body, and adjustable fastening elements. This segmentation allows the connector to provide adjustment functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, addressing both ease of operation and device complexity concerns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized support system is designed for specific equipment, then the support is optimized for that equipment, but versatility for different equipment types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support system employs a universal base cap and connector design that can accommodate various frame element configurations and equipment types. The pivotable connector and adjustable fastening mechanism allow the same support structure to securely mount different equipment such as air conditioners, ventilation units, or roof screens, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Strength
If rigid frame elements are used, then structural strength is maximized, but adjustability during installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the base connector and frame elements incorporates a pivotable joint that allows temporary flexibility during installation. Workers can adjust the frame element position by rotating the connector, then secure it in the desired position. Once installed, the rigid frame elements provide maximum structural strength, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.