Rooftop Conduit Support with Elevated Strut Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop support structures for conduits and similar objects lack adequate air circulation, leading to elevated temperatures due to direct contact with the roof surface, which can cause thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a base and a strut with a U-shaped cross-sectional design, allowing for physical separation from the roof surface and air circulation, utilizing a trapezoidal base with a support flange and L-shaped attachment brackets to secure the strut, which can be elevated using spacers for adjustable height and stability, and optionally incorporating a sled member for load distribution on soft roofing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conduit structures are placed directly on the roof surface, then installation is convenient and simple, but air circulation is blocked and temperatures become undesirably elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the conduit support from a 2D roof surface placement to a 3D elevated position using vertical struts. This dimensional change creates space for air circulation underneath the conduit while maintaining secure attachment to the roof structure through the base plate and mounting brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure consisting of a base plate, struts, and mounting brackets that mediates between the roof surface and the conduit. This intermediary framework enables both secure installation and improved air circulation, resolving the contradiction between convenience and temperature control.
2Temperature
If conduit structures are elevated above the roof surface, then air circulation improves and temperatures are reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into distinct functional segments: a base plate for roof attachment, vertical struts for elevation, and mounting brackets for conduit securement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly while achieving the temperature reduction goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides attachment points for mounting brackets, creates a stable foundation for struts, and can be designed with a larger surface area to distribute loads and prevent damage to roofing materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If base surface area is increased to distribute load and prevent roofing damage, then material protection improves, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the base plate parameters (surface area, thickness, material composition) to achieve the minimum required load distribution capability. By carefully selecting these parameters, the base plate provides adequate protection against roofing damage while minimizing material consumption and overall structure weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device for elevating an object above a surface comprises a base and a strut. The base has a top and a bottom. The bottom is adapted to sit upon the surface and is wider than the top. The strut is affixed to the base and adapted to receive a fastener for affixing the object to the strut. The base may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The base may comprise a support flange along a perimeter of the bottom of the base. The strut may have a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape with an elongated planar bottom and opposing elongated planar sides joined to opposing edges of the elongated planar bottom. The strut may be affixed to the base via one or more spacers such that the strut is positioned a predefined distance from the top of the base.