Adjustable Roofing Shield for Debris-Safe AC Unit Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central air conditioning units are vulnerable to damage during roof replacement due to falling debris, and existing protective measures often obstruct airflow or are inadequate, leading to costly repairs and reputational issues for roofing contractors.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding protective roofing shield with a canopy and adjustable framework that encloses the outdoor air conditioning unit on three sides, allowing airflow while providing protection from debris, and includes advertising space, is designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported by a single person, accommodating various unit sizes and terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If make-shift coverings (tarp, plywood, couch cushion) are used to protect the OACU during demolition, then protection from falling debris is provided, but air flow to the unit is blocked causing further damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is divided into multiple panels (front panel, side panels, rear panel) that can be assembled to enclose the OACU. This segmentation allows the shield to provide comprehensive debris protection while incorporating open sides and gaps that maintain proper air flow to the unit, resolving the contradiction between protection and ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates different properties in different areas: solid panels provide protection where needed, while open sides and gaps allow air flow. The framework structure provides rigidity for protection while maintaining permeability for ventilation, applying local quality to resolve the contradiction between protection and air flow.
2Reliability
If a fixed protective structure is used to protect the OACU, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of transport and setup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is constructed from multiple detachable panels connected by framework, allowing it to be disassembled into manageable components for easy transport and reassembly on different job sites. This segmentation maintains structural integrity and protection reliability when assembled while enabling mobility when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from a static protective structure to a dynamic, movable system through its collapsible framework and detachable panels. This allows the structure to adapt between a stable, reliable protective configuration during use and a compact, transportable configuration during movement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective shield encloses the OACU on all four sides, then protection from debris is maximized, but air flow to the unit is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The shield provides partial enclosure by covering the front and sides where debris protection is most needed during roof replacement, while deliberately leaving the rear and sides open to maintain air flow. This partial action approach provides sufficient protection without excessive enclosure that would block ventilation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in general to the protection of central air conditioning systems during roof demolition and replacement, and more specifically, to a protective roofing shield for an outdoor air conditioning unit and method of use. One aspect of the protective roofing shield includes a framework and canopy that partially encloses the outdoor air conditioning unit to guard against falling debris while not obstructing air flow to the outdoor air conditioning unit to prevent damage to the unit. The protective roofing shield may be adjustable in height and length to be compatible with different sizes, manufacturers and locations of outdoor air conditioning units. The protective roofing shield and method of use is designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and conveniently transported from one roofing job site to another by a single user to improve efficiency for a roofing contractor.