Railing Anchor Baseplate Assembly for Waterproof Roof Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for anchoring heavy structures like railings and fences to roofs and other structures face issues with water infiltration due to repetitive roof movement, temperature changes, and high winds, leading to leaks and difficulty in providing guarantees against water or moisture damage. Additionally, mounting radius posts is challenging, and waterproofing them is difficult, especially with custom flashing required. Indoor applications lack robust and easy-to-replace anchoring methods.
Innovation Solution
A novel anchor and railing assembly featuring an anchor baseplate with a threaded bore, balusters secured via threaded fasteners, and a cover or cap, allowing for secure attachment and waterproofing on both flat and pitched roofs, as well as indoor structures, using materials like wood, metal, or glass, with adjustable shims and rotating tools for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If anchors are bolted through the roof to support heavy structures, then the structures can be securely anchored, but water infiltration occurs through the anchor conduits causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: a roof-mounted base plate that provides anchoring strength, and a waterproofing flange that prevents water infiltration. The base plate and flange are integrated as a single unit with distinct zones - the upper portion anchors the structure while the lower portion creates a waterproof seal against the roof surface, eliminating the conduit effect of traditional through-bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproofing membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the anchor base plate and the roof surface. This membrane creates a continuous waterproof barrier that redirects water flow away from the anchor assembly, preventing water from penetrating through the anchoring point while maintaining the structural integrity of the connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive and glue are used to seal the anchor conduit, then water penetration is attempted to be prevented, but cracks develop over time due to roof movement and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical sealing method (adhesive and glue) is replaced with a mechanical waterproofing system. The integrated base plate and flange assembly provides a rigid structural seal, while the waterproofing membrane provides a flexible physical barrier. This mechanical approach eliminates reliance on adhesive bonds that crack under stress from roof movement and temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproofing membrane is used to create a flexible, continuous barrier that accommodates roof movement and thermal expansion without cracking. This thin film material conformally seals around the anchor assembly, providing durable waterproofing that maintains its integrity under dynamic loading conditions unlike rigid adhesive seals.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then structures can be mounted on roofs, but it is difficult to provide guarantees or obtain insurance against water or moisture damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function and waterproofing function are merged into a single integrated assembly. The base plate with integrated flange and attached waterproofing membrane creates a unified system that simultaneously provides structural attachment and water protection, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing installation complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing membrane is pre-attached to the base plate assembly before installation on the roof. This preliminary waterproofing configuration ensures that the water barrier is already in place and properly positioned, preventing water infiltration from the start and providing immediate protection that can be guaranteed against water damage.
4Ease of operation
If radius posts are mounted through the roof structure, then they can be attached to beams or rafters, but waterproofing is very difficult requiring custom radius copper soldered flashing
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate and flange assembly is designed as a universal mounting system that can accommodate various post types (round, square, rectangular) and roof structures. The circular flange geometry naturally seals around round posts, while the integrated design provides a standardized waterproofing solution that eliminates the need for custom-fitted flashing for each post type.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4c
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
An anchor and railing assembly for anchoring a baluster or balustrade to both outdoor and indoor structures, such as raised, generally flat or angled roof-like structures or indoor stairs or floors, which includes an anchor baseplate with a top surface and a bottom surface, and an internally threaded bore extending at least partially from the top surface generally towards the bottom surface, a baluster, fasteners for fastening the baluster to the anchor baseplate via its bore, and fasteners for fastening the anchor baseplate to either an outdoor or indoor structure.