Roof Fixing Assembly With Membrane Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof fixings compromise the integrity of waterproofing membranes when they penetrate, leading to potential water leakage due to chemical reactions and varying lifespans of sealants, and fail to effectively resist lateral and vertical forces from wind and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base plate and cover member that compresses the waterproof membrane to create a watertight seal, using a threaded stud or bolt and blind hole with raised ribs, allowing multiple secure points without penetrating the membrane, and providing a mechanical seal without additional chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixing or anchor penetrates the waterproof membrane to secure items to the building structure, then the item can be firmly attached, but the integrity and effectiveness of the waterproof membrane is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A base plate is introduced as an intermediary element that distributes the fixing load across multiple points on the building structure without requiring deep penetration of the waterproof membrane. The base plate is secured through the membrane at multiple locations, spreading the mechanical stress and minimizing damage to the waterproofing layer while still providing firm attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is segmented into multiple attachment points through the base plate rather than relying on a single penetrating anchor. This segmentation allows the fixing force to be distributed across several locations, reducing the impact on any single point of the waterproof membrane and maintaining overall membrane integrity.
2Reliability
If sealant is used to prevent water penetration where a fixing penetrates the membrane, then water sealing is improved, but chemical reactions between membrane and sealant and varying lifespans cause deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The reliance on chemical sealants is extracted and replaced with a mechanical sealing approach. Raised ribs or beads on the base plate provide a physical barrier and compression mechanism that seals around the penetrating fixings without requiring chemical sealants, thereby eliminating the problems of chemical reactions and varying material lifespans.
Solution Approach 2:
Chemical sealing mechanisms are replaced with a mechanical sealing system using raised ribs or beads that physically compress the waterproof membrane against the base plate. This mechanical approach provides consistent sealing performance without the degradation issues associated with chemical sealants.
3Device complexity
If a single point of attachment is used to fix items to the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resist lateral and vertical forces from wind and weather is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple fixing points distributed across the base plate, allowing the structure to resist lateral and vertical forces more effectively. The multiple attachment points work together to distribute wind and weather loads, providing superior resistance compared to a single attachment point while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
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
The device maintains the integrity of the waterproof membrane while providing a secure and resistant fixing point for items, resisting wind and weather forces without compromising the membrane's effectiveness, and is compatible with various waterproofing materials.
Implementation Method 1
the cover member is engaged on the fixing member so that the waterproof membrane is compressed between base plate and a face of the cover member to form a waterproof seal
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A device for fixing an item to a building structure, for example for use as a roof fixing, is disclosed. It consists of a base plate (30) having a projecting member projecting from one side of it, for example a threaded stud or bolt (40), and an impermeable cover member, for example in the form of a solid block (35) which can be threaded on to the projecting member. The cover member compresses a waterproof membrane located between it and the base plate (30) to form a waterproof seal. The waterproof membrane extends past the edges of the base plate (30) and its projecting edges are sealed to the structure.