Adjustable Roofing Shield for AC Units Under Falling Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central air conditioning units are vulnerable to damage from falling debris during roof replacement, and existing protective measures often obstruct airflow or fail to provide adequate protection, 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 unit on three sides, allowing airflow while protecting from debris, and includes advertising space, designed for easy transport and setup by a single person, accommodating various unit sizes and terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tarp, plywood, or couch cushion is used to cover the OACU during demolition, then protection from falling debris is improved, but air flow to the unit is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is divided into multiple framework members (vertical posts, horizontal beams) that create an open structure rather than a solid barrier. This segmentation allows air to pass through the framework while still intercepting falling debris, resolving the contradiction between protection and airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible canopy material is used to cover the framework structure. The canopy provides a protective surface that can be positioned to shield the OACU from debris while the open framework beneath maintains airflow paths. The flexible nature allows adjustment to optimize both protection and ventilation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a make-shift covering is used to protect the OACU, then protection from falling debris is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to improper fit and additional setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The framework incorporates adjustable components including telescoping legs with locking mechanisms and removable canopy sections. This dynamic design allows the shield to be quickly configured to different OACU sizes and positions, and easily collapsed for transport, significantly improving ease of operation compared to static make-shift coverings.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate various OACU sizes and shapes through its adjustable framework. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: protecting from debris, allowing airflow, and providing a consistent professional appearance across different job sites, reducing the need for multiple specialized coverings.
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.