Standing Seam Clamp Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Roof Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for metal roofs fail to securely attach devices without damaging the surface, as they loosen due to thermal movement and vibration, and do not meet seismic standards, requiring frequent retightening and compromising the roof's coating and warranty.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with elongated cylindrical pins and a fastening element that securely locks into a standing seam without penetrating the surface, using a groove for grounding wires and cables, distributing force to resist loosening from environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners are used in clamps to attach devices to standing seams, then the clamp can be securely attached initially, but the fasteners loosen due to thermal expansion and contraction, causing the clamp to slide along the standing seam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded fastener system with a deformation-based locking mechanism. A set screw deforms a lock washer, which creates friction and mechanical interference to prevent loosening. This substitution eliminates the threading mechanism that is susceptible to thermal loosening while providing a more stable attachment that resists thermal expansion and contraction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock washer is pre-deformed by the set screw during installation to create a locked position before thermal or vibrational forces act on the assembly. This preliminary deformation establishes a friction-based locking condition that prevents subsequent loosening from thermal cycling or vibration, addressing the reliability issue before it occurs.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps are used to secure devices to metal roofs, then attachment is achieved, but the clamps loosen due to vibration from high winds and seismic activity, requiring periodic retightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vibration-susceptible threaded fasteners with a deformation-based locking system using a set screw and lock washer. The lock washer deforms under the set screw to create friction and mechanical interference, providing a vibration-resistant connection that does not require periodic retightening, thus eliminating the time loss associated with maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock washer and set screw combination creates a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains its grip under vibrational loads. The deformation and friction created during initial tightening provide ongoing resistance to loosening forces, making the system self-sustaining without requiring external intervention or maintenance.
3Reliability
If penetrating fasteners are used to attach clamps to standing seams, then secure attachment is achieved, but the roof coating is damaged, compromising appearance and warranty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the penetrating fastener from the attachment system and replaces it with a non-penetrating clamp design. The clamp attaches to the standing seam from the exterior without penetrating the roof coating, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of coating damage while maintaining attachment security through the deformation-based locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary between the attachment device and the standing seam, providing a secure connection without direct penetration of the roof coating. The deformation-based locking mechanism within the clamp creates the necessary holding force while the clamp itself contacts only the standing seam, protecting the underlying roof coating from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly (100), and a mounting assembly (150), that may be used for securing a device (160) (e.g. a solar panel, Roof Mounted Displays, Satellite Dishes, Conduit and Piping, Snow-Retention System, HVAC etc.) to a raised portion of a standing seam (103) of a metal roof, panel or tile (119) building surface. The clamp assembly (100) comprising a mounting body (101) of a general block shape having a slot (102) for receiving the standing seam (103) formed in a bottom surface (136) of the mounting body (101) and top surface (137) for securing thereon and attaching the device (160) thereto. The clamp assembly (100) is configured with one or more pins (105) that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins (105) may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes (107) formed in the mounting body (101), whereby the push-pin holes (107) extend to the slot (102) from a side surface (138) of push-pin holes (107), which are formed substantially orthogonal relative to the slot (102). The clamp assembly (100) includes a fastening element (109) adapted to be received in a fastener hole (111) formed adjacent the push-pin holes (107) in the side surface (138) of the mounting body (101). The fastening element (109) is configured to secure, attach and hold the clamp assembly (100) to the standing seam (103) by forcing the pins (105) against the standing seam (103) disposed in the slot (102). The clamp assembly (100) further comprises a groove (115) adapted to receive and secure a ground wire (120), cable (121) or other item advantageous for grounding of electrical components and organization. The mounting assembly (100) includes the clamp assembly (100) and a panel fastening assembly (126) comprising a device fastening element (139) adapted to be received in said attachment hole (113) for securing the device (160), one or more one or more solar caps (127) adapted to be disposed on and around the device fastening element (139) so as to mount and secure the device (160) disposed between the solar caps (127) by tightening said device fastening element (139).