Non-piercing Fastening Assemblies for Roof Fabric Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanically bonded liquid applied roofing systems face issues such as fastener plate edges cutting into and damaging the fabric, shadow areas not effectively sealed by the liquid roof coating, and unwanted penetrations of the fabric, necessitating a more efficient and reliable attachment method.

Innovation Solution

The proposed roofing system employs fastening assemblies with first elements secured to the roof deck and second elements that secure the fabric without piercing it, using mechanical binding or chemical bonding, and includes features like binding materials that soften to bond with the fabric, locking tabs, and grommets to ensure secure attachment and minimize shadows or bumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional washer-like fastener plates are used to attach fabric to the roof deck, then the fabric can be mechanically secured, but the fastener plate edges cut into and damage the fabric

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidfabric damage from fastener edges
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system divides the attachment function into separate components: fastener elements that secure to the roof deck and binding materials that attach to the fabric. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the compromises of a unified fastener plate design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Binding materials serve as an intermediary between the fastener elements and the fabric. These materials mechanically bind or chemically bond to the fabric without requiring direct contact between the fabric and the potentially damaging fastener plate edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If traditional fasteners are used to attach fabric, then mechanical securing is achieved, but shadow areas around the fasteners are not effectively sealed by liquid roof coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidsealing effectiveness of liquid roof coating
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical fastener plates with a combination of fastener elements and binding materials that create a more compatible interface for liquid roof coating application, eliminating shadow areas and ensuring effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding materials provide localized attachment functionality with properties optimized for both mechanical securing and compatibility with liquid roof coating, creating different local zones with appropriate characteristics for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If traditional fasteners are used to attach fabric, then the fabric can be secured to the roof deck, but unwanted penetrations of the fabric occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidunwanted fabric penetrations
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Binding materials act as an intermediary layer between the fastener elements and the fabric, providing a non-piercing attachment method that secures the fabric without creating unwanted penetrations or holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes traditional piercing mechanical fasteners with a binding mechanism that attaches to the fabric through mechanical binding or chemical bonding, eliminating the need to penetrate the fabric material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If traditional fastener plates are used, then fabric attachment is achieved, but the number of fasteners required increases installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidnumber of fasteners and installation steps
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the attachment functions into integrated fastening assemblies where fastener elements and binding materials work together as a unified system, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: securing to the roof deck, attaching the fabric, and providing a seal-compatible surface, all within a single integrated component system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the efficiency and reliability of fabric attachment, reduces the number of fasteners needed, and allows for easier installation while ensuring effective sealing and penetration of the liquid roof coating, thereby forming a robust and watertight roof structure.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of second elements comprises a binding material on the base, the binding material configured to soften when heated sufficient to bond with the fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240392571A1Fastening systems for attaching fabric to a roof deck
Publication Date: 2024.11.28 BMIC LLC
  • US20240392571A1 patent drawing
  • US20240392571A1 patent drawing
  • US20240392571A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Fastener systems for roofing systems are disclosed for fastening a fabric, mesh, or base sheet to a roof deck prior to application of a liquid applied roof coating. The fastening assemblies may be attached to an uncleaned or unprimed roof deck and a fabric is laid atop the fasteners. The fasteners secure the fabric using mechanical binding or chemical bonding without penetrating or dimpling the fabric.