Structural attachment sealing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for sealing structural attachments, such as solar panel mounts, often fail to create a reliable watertight seal, requiring additional materials like flashing and risking leaks, especially on roofs where they can compromise the integrity of shingles.
Innovation Solution
A system using an adhesive sealant injected under pressure through a sealant dispenser gun into an enclosed cavity around penetration points, ensuring a permanent airtight and watertight seal without the need for standard flashing and minimizing damage to roof shingles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard flashing and assemblies are used to seal penetrations, then water shedding is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from complex flashing assemblies and concentrates it into a single adhesive sealant material injected into the penetration cavity, eliminating the need for multiple flashing components and their associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions (water shedding, air sealing, penetration sealing) into a single adhesive sealant material that performs all functions simultaneously, replacing the need for separate flashing, gaskets, and sealants
2Reliability
If additional flashing and assemblies are installed, then sealing coverage is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable adhesive sealant cartridge in a standard dispenser gun, replacing expensive reusable flashing assemblies with a low-cost consumable sealant that is injected once and provides permanent sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive sealant is self-applied through the dispenser gun without requiring specialized flashing installation tools or techniques, allowing standard workers to perform the sealing function efficiently
3Ease of operation
If roof shingles are broken to install attachments, then attachment installation is simplified, but roof vulnerability to leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive sealant is injected into the penetration cavity before the attachment is fully installed, creating a pre-seal that prevents water infiltration through the penetration path even before the attachment is complete
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive sealant acts as an intermediary material that fills the gap between the attachment penetration and the roof structure, preventing direct water contact with the penetration path while allowing the attachment to remain installed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a reliable, cost-effective watertight seal for structural attachments, reducing installation costs and vulnerability to leaks by eliminating the need for additional flashing and minimizing roof penetrations.
Implementation Method 1
Sealant is then injected under pressure using, by way of example, a sealant dispenser gun, into an enclosed cavity around the penetration. The force from the sealant dispenser gun increases the pressure inside the enclosed cavity and forces all the air out through a vent hole.
Implementation Method 2
The system utilizes an adhesive sealant to create a permanent watertight seal at any surface penetration.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device including a base having an open bottom, a longitudinal axis, and a linear guide on the base. The linear guide guides support hardware in linear movement along the longitudinal axis. An internal cavity is under the base for containing a sealant against and in cooperation with a roof when the mounting device is secured to the roof. An opening is though the base is for receiving a fastener when the mounting device is secured to the roof. The opening is in communication with the internal cavity. The linear guide extends beyond the internal cavity.