Rotating Roof Flashing Stanchion for Single-Penetration Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching articles like photovoltaic panels to roofs often result in multiple roof penetrations, which can lead to water leaks and require additional sealing agents, making the process costly and labor-intensive, and are not easily adaptable to existing or new roofing systems.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece system featuring a weatherproof flashing member rotatably connected to an upright stanchion, secured with a single lag bolt to the roof's structural member, allowing for easy installation without removing or resealing existing roofing, and accommodating various roof types and panel orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple anchor devices are used to attach articles to the roof, then the attachment strength is improved, but the number of roof penetrations increases leading to water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anchor devices into a single integrated flashing assembly that attaches to one roof penetration. The flashing includes multiple arms with washers and fasteners that can secure multiple articles simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate penetrations for each anchor device while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing assembly serves multiple functions: it provides weatherproofing at the roof penetration, acts as a mounting structure for multiple articles, and distributes attachment forces across multiple points. This multi-functional design allows one penetration to fulfill the role of multiple penetrations, reducing water leak risk.
2Reliability
If existing roofing is removed or resealed to install anchor devices, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the labor time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing assembly is pre-configured with multiple arms, washers, and fasteners in the correct positions before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply slide the flashing under the roofing material and secure it in one operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming removal or resealing of existing roofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing design allows it to be installed by sliding under existing roofing material without requiring the roofing to be removed or altered. The structure is self-contained with all necessary components integrated, enabling installation without external assistance or additional materials like sealants.
3Ease of operation
If a single lag bolt is used to attach the system, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the attachment strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing assembly is segmented into multiple arms that can independently engage with articles. Each arm has its own washer and fastener configuration, allowing the single lag bolt connection to distribute loads across multiple attachment points, effectively multiplying the attachment strength while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashing extends in multiple dimensions from the single roof penetration, creating a three-dimensional mounting structure. This dimensional expansion allows one vertical penetration to support multiple horizontal attachment points at different positions, maintaining strength while simplifying installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the stanchion is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different roof angles and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchion is designed to rotate relative to the flashing about a vertical axis, transforming from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. This rotational freedom allows the stanchion to adapt to different roof orientations and article mounting angles while the components themselves maintain precise manufacturing tolerances for proper engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.