Standing Seam Roofing Bracket With Non-Penetrating Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roofing brackets are incompatible with standing seam roof panels due to nail holes damaging the substrate and are cumbersome, unsafe, and costly, particularly when trying to provide a stable working surface on inclined roofs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, simple roofing bracket with clamping mechanisms that securely and removeably attach to standing seam roof panels, using a radial extension element like a screw jack or mechanical lift mechanism to provide a horizontal platform adaptable to varying roof inclines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional roofing brackets use nails driven into the roof structure, then the bracket can be securely attached, but the nail holes damage the standing seam roof panel substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (nails) from the attachment system and replaces it with a clamping mechanism that secures the bracket to the roof panels without penetrating or damaging the substrate. The bracket uses external clamping forces rather than invasive fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamping mechanism as an intermediary between the bracket and the roof panels. This intermediary device provides secure attachment through mechanical clamping without direct penetration into the roof structure, thus protecting the substrate while achieving strong attachment.
2Strength
If the Brucie Bracket uses welded members and complex structural components, then the bracket can support workers on inclined roofs, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bracket into separate functional components: a base section that interfaces with the roof panels, an upright section that provides vertical support, and a platform section that supports the worker. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly and maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and movable elements in the bracket design, allowing the structure to adapt to different roof inclines and worker positions. The dynamic configuration enables the bracket to maintain stability and load-bearing capacity while reducing the effort required to position and maneuver the device.
3Strength
If the Brucie Bracket uses an intricate array of welded members, then the bracket can provide structural support, but the device complexity increases manufacturing and procurement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural functions into integrated components. The base, upright, and platform sections work together as a unified structure that provides structural support without requiring complex welded assemblies. The design merges support, positioning, and safety functions into a simpler, more cost-effective configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the Brucie Bracket positions the platform with a large gap from the roof panel, then the platform can be positioned for worker access, but worker safety is compromised due to ankle injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates safety features and proper platform positioning as preliminary design considerations rather than afterthoughts. The bracket is designed to maintain appropriate clearance between the platform and roof panel from the outset, preventing ankle injury risks before they can occur during worker operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel roofing bracket is disclosed wherein use of a plurality of the roofing brackets provides a generally horizontal working surface on an inclined standing seam roofing panel. The roofing bracket comprises a first and second section, each section defining a base and an upright extending from the base, and a clamping mechanism for securely and removeably fastening the first section upright and the second section upright juxtaposed to one another abutting opposite sides of the standing seam. The roofing brackets further define a retaining element for engaging and retaining a plank suitable for providing a generally horizontal working surface.