Snowguard with Segmented Shaft and Angled Support for Roof Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow retention systems for sloped roofs are not strong enough, difficult to install, and do not provide a watertight seal, while also lacking visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A snow management system comprising a snowguard with a shaft, attachment point, support member, and snow catcher, which is designed to be easily installed and provides a watertight seal, while also being visually appealing and capable of retaining significant snow loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing snow retention systems are used, then they can retain snow, but they are not strong enough and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The snow retention system is divided into multiple components: a shaft that penetrates the roof, a support member that extends from the shaft, and a snow catcher that attaches to the support member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and installation ease, while maintaining overall system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is nested within or attached to the shaft structure, and the snow catcher is nested within or attached to the support member. This nested configuration creates a compact, integrated assembly that is both strong and relatively easy to install as a unit while providing significant snow retention capacity.
2Reliability
If existing snow retention systems are installed, then they can retain snow, but they do not provide a watertight seal
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft and the roof surface. This seal ensures a watertight connection while allowing for relatively simple installation, as the seal can be integrated into the shaft assembly or applied during the installation process without requiring complex waterproofing procedures.
3Shape
If existing snow retention systems are installed, then they can retain snow, but they lack visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The snow catcher is designed with an aesthetically pleasing shape and can be manufactured in various colors or finishes that complement the roof's appearance. This attention to visual appeal is achieved through careful design of the snow catcher's geometry and surface characteristics, transforming a functional component into an architecturally integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The snow catcher may incorporate curved or rounded shapes rather than purely angular forms, creating a more visually appealing appearance. The support member extends away from the shaft at an angle, creating a dynamic silhouette that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the ground or street level.
4Force
If a robust snow retention system is designed, then it can retain significant snow loads, but it becomes difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft, support member, and snow catcher are pre-assembled or pre-configured into an integrated unit before installation. This preliminary assembly allows the system to be installed as a single component or minimal components, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining the structural integrity and snow load capacity that would require multiple separate fastening operations if assembled on-site.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowguard comprises a shaft, an attachment point, a support member, and a snow catcher. The shaft has a first end and a second end. The shaft has a first body disposed between the first end and the second end. The attachment point is disposed at the first end of the shaft. The support member has a third end and a fourth end. The support member has a second body defined between the third end and the fourth end. The third end of the support member is operatively coupled to the second end of the shaft. The support member extends away from the shaft at a first angle. The snow catcher is operatively coupled to the fourth end of the support member and the first body at a point between the first end and the second end.