Protective roofing shield and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central air conditioning units are vulnerable to damage from falling debris during roof replacement, and existing protective measures often obstruct airflow or fail to provide adequate protection, leading to costly repairs and reputational issues for roofing contractors.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding protective roofing shield with a canopy and adjustable framework that encloses the outdoor air conditioning unit on three sides, allowing airflow while protecting it from debris, and includes advertising space, is designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported by a single person, accommodating various unit sizes and terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If make-shift coverings (tarp, plywood, couch cushion) are used to protect the OACU, then protection from falling debris is provided, but air flow to the unit is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mesh material that acts as a flexible shell to protect the OACU from falling debris while allowing air to pass through. The mesh is configured to cover the top and sides of the unit, providing physical protection without blocking the airflow necessary for the condenser to function properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh material is inherently porous, allowing air to pass through while still providing protection from debris. This porous structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both protection and airflow simultaneously - the pores are large enough to allow air passage but small enough to block falling shingles and debris.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective shield is designed to provide adequate protection, then debris protection is improved, but ease of setup and transport by a single person deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is segmented into multiple modular components including a top cover section and side panel sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows a single person to handle and install the protection system without difficulty, while still providing comprehensive coverage and protection from falling debris when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable straps, flexible positioning mechanisms, and removable components that allow easy adjustment and installation by one person. These dynamic features enable the protection system to be quickly configured around the OACU without requiring complex assembly procedures or multiple people.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in general to the protection of central air conditioning systems during roof demolition and replacement, and more specifically, to a protective roofing shield for an outdoor air conditioning unit and method of use. One aspect of the protective roofing shield includes a framework and canopy that #partially encloses the outdoor air conditioning unit to guard against falling debris while not obstructing air flow to the outdoor air conditioning unit to prevent damage to the unit. The protective roofing shield may be adjustable in height and length to be compatible with different sizes, manufacturers and locations of outdoor air conditioning units. The protective roofing shield and method of use is designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and conveniently transported from one roofing job site to another by a single user to improve efficiency for a roofing contractor.