Segmented Gutter Insert Deflecting Debris Without Roof Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gutter systems face challenges with debris clogging due to leaves and other vegetation, with current solutions being expensive, difficult to install, and potentially damaging to roofs, and often requiring fasteners that can harm roofing materials.

Innovation Solution

A gutter insert comprising an upper blocking member and a vertical support member, designed to be flexible and engage with the gutter's edges, creating a bracing mechanism that prevents debris from entering while being easy to install and requiring no fasteners, with a design that allows for overlap of multiple inserts to provide continuous coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If foam inserts or gutter covers are installed to prevent debris from entering gutters, then debris blockage is reduced, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris blockage preventionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter cover is divided into multiple sections that can be independently installed between gutter supports. Each section can be separately handled and positioned, making the overall installation process easier and less complex compared to installing a single large cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the gutter cover to the roof or building structure from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by securing the cover to the gutter supports from the inside. The cover is attached to the supports that are already mounted on the building, eliminating the need to penetrate or damage the roof structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If gutter covers are fastened to roof or building structure, then coverage stability is improved, but roof or shingle damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage stabilityVSAvoidroof or shingle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter supports act as intermediaries between the building structure and the gutter cover. Instead of directly attaching the cover to the roof or shingles (which causes damage), the cover is attached to the supports that are already mounted on the building, thus mediating the connection and preventing direct damage to the roofing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the traditional attachment method by securing the gutter cover to the gutter supports from the inside rather than attaching it to the roof or building structure from the outside. This reversal eliminates the need to penetrate or damage the roof structure while maintaining stable coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If foam inserts are used to fill gutter space, then debris exclusion is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris exclusionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter cover is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently handled and installed. This segmentation reduces the complexity of installation compared to installing a single large foam insert or cover, as each section can be separately positioned and secured between gutter supports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of filling the gutter from the outside with foam inserts that require complex attachment methods, the invention inverts the approach by using a cover that is attached to the gutter supports from the inside. This simplifies the installation process while maintaining effective debris exclusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fasteners are used to secure gutter covers, then coverage stability is improved, but cost and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter cover is divided into multiple sections that can be independently secured to the gutter supports. Each section requires fewer fasteners compared to securing a single large cover, reducing the total number of fasteners needed and thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining stable coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8069617B2Debris deflection devices

Publication Date: 2011.12.06 WOOTTON THOMAS A

AI summary

This invention related to the field of drains and rain gutters typically attached to a house or commercial building. This invention describes gutter inserts that block, or deflect vegetation and other debris from entering rain gutters.