Purlin Gutter System for Flat Panel Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional purlin designs for metal roof structures are inefficient for panel installation and maintenance, often requiring secondary attachment mechanisms that can damage panels and allow water to seep through, creating safety hazards during storms and ice formation issues when snow melts.
Innovation Solution
An elongated purlin design incorporating a gutter system with orthogonal bends and a clipping mechanism for easy panel attachment and removal, featuring a groove for structural reinforcement and a water flow path to direct runoff away from the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional purlin designs with secondary attachment mechanisms (bolts or screws) are used to attach panels, then panels can be securely mounted to purlins, but the installation becomes time-consuming and the panels may be damaged by the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment mechanism and water drainage function into a single integrated purlin structure. The channel is formed as an integral part of the purlin through orthogonal bends, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing installation time while maintaining secure panel mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The purlin is segmented into functional sections with orthogonal bends creating distinct channels for water drainage. The first channel receives water from the panel, and the second channel directs it away from the structure, allowing efficient water management while maintaining a simple attachment process.
2Device complexity
If traditional purlin designs without integrated water management are used, then the structure remains simple, but water seeps through gaps between panels causing safety hazards during storms and ice formation when snow melts
Solution Approach 1:
The water drainage function is merged into the purlin structure itself through orthogonal bends forming channels. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate water management systems while effectively preventing water infiltration and ice formation hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of water accumulation into a beneficial drainage system. The orthogonal bends create channels that actively direct water away from the structure, transforming a potential hazard into an effective water management solution.
3Ease of operation
If a channel runs the length of the purlin to allow panels to slide and lock, then panel installation is simplified, but panel replacement becomes difficult requiring removal of all panels up to the broken panel
Solution Approach 1:
The purlin is segmented into modular sections with orthogonal bends creating independent channels. This segmentation allows individual panels to be replaced without affecting the entire channel system, as each section can be independently accessed and serviced.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one first vertical member having an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion has at least one first horizontal member extending away from the at least one first vertical member. At least one vertical second vertical member extends vertical from the at least one first horizontal member. At least one second horizontal member extending from the at least one first upright member on the upper portion and at least one third vertical member extending from the at least one second horizontal member and at least one third horizontal member extending from the at least one third vertical member wherein the at least one third horizontal member forms a shelf with at least one gutter.