Roof Bracket for Standing Seam Metal Roof

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for preventing roof sliding on metal roofs, such as nailing wooden beams or using cranes and ladders, are costly and ineffective, especially for smaller projects and metal roofs like standing seam roofs, as they do not provide a secure foothold without expensive equipment and extra manpower.

Innovation Solution

A specialized roof bracket system, known as the ROOFRAT™ Bracket, which securely attaches to a standing seam metal roof, providing a stationary platform for foot placement without tools, using cams that grip the seam to prevent sliding and allow repositioning along the seam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (cranes, ladders, wooden beams) are used to provide footholds on metal roofs, then safety is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roof bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting portion that attaches to the roof surface, a standing seam engagement portion with teeth that grip the seam, and a platform portion for foot placement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket's mounting portion features self-aligning geometry with the standing seam, allowing the bracket to automatically position itself correctly during installation without requiring precise measurements or specialized tools. The design enables a single worker to install it independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional methods (cranes, special ladders) are used to work on standing seam metal roofs, then security against sliding is improved, but cost increases to extremely expensive levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against slidingVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed as an inexpensive, single-use or limited-use component that can be easily installed and removed without requiring expensive equipment like cranes or specialized ladders. Multiple brackets can be used along the roof slope to provide sequential footholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The standing seam itself serves as an intermediary structure that the bracket engages with. Rather than requiring complex attachment mechanisms to the roof deck, the bracket utilizes the existing standing seam geometry as a built-in mounting feature, dramatically reducing cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wooden beams are nailed onto the roof to provide footholds, then safety is improved, but the roof structure is damaged and the method is ineffective for metal roofs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidroof structure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The standing seam acts as an intermediary mounting feature that does not require penetrating the roof surface. The bracket engages with the seam's geometry through the engagement portion with teeth, providing attachment without nails, screws, or punctures that would damage the roof.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid, smooth geometry of the standing seam, which traditionally makes metal roofs difficult and dangerous to walk on, is converted into a beneficial mounting feature. The seam's structure provides positive engagement surfaces for the bracket's teeth, transforming the sliding hazard into a secure attachment opportunity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If the roof bracket uses complex locking mechanisms to secure to the standing seam, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The design extracts the complex locking mechanism entirely, replacing it with a passive geometric engagement system. The teeth on the engagement portion simply snap into or grip the standing seam geometry, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other fastening components that would require tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11773596B2Roof bracket and system and methods for using same

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 MITCHELL JIM

AI summary

Disclosed herein are roof brackets, devices, and apparatuses for standing seam metal roofs to provide a removable place to place a foot. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a bracket configured to releasably secure to a standing seam of a panel, the bracket having a housing having at least one side comprising a slot configured to allow at least a portion of a standing seam to travel therethrough; a plurality of cams contained within the housing, the plurality of cams rotatably connected to the housing at a first portion of the plurality of the cams; at least one elongated member connected to at least one of the plurality of cams; and at least one tension element connected to the housing and in operable communication with at least one of the plurality of cams. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed roof brackets and apparatuses.