Telescopic Roof Gutter With Press-Fit Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof gutters for managing water runoff around roof windows are inefficient due to the need for larger packaging and potential obstacles to water flow from internal locking elements, which can accumulate debris and hinder effective drainage.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic gutter composed of thin-walled, pliable segments with identical cross-sections, featuring a flat mounting plate and an arc or polygonal drainage channel, allowing for press-fit connections without internal locking elements, and equipped with openings for secure attachment to roof rafters, facilitating easy assembly and standardization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gutter is divided into multiple segments for easier transport and packaging, then the ease of manufacture and transport is improved, but the complexity of assembly and potential for water flow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing one gutter segment inside another segment, allowing multiple segments to be stored compactly together. This resolving the contradiction by enabling easy transport of multiple segments while maintaining a simple telescopic connection design that minimizes assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter is divided into multiple identical or similar segments that can be manufactured separately for easier transport and handling. The segments are designed with standardized features that simplify assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and assembly complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If internal locking elements are used to secure gutter segments together, then the structural stability is improved, but the water flow obstruction and debris accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes internal locking elements from the gutter design, replacing them with external attachment methods such as clips, screws, or interlocking flanges on the outer surface of the segments. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of water flow obstruction and debris accumulation while maintaining structural stability through the alternative external securing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using internal locking elements that protrude into the water flow path, the patent inverts the approach by using external locking mechanisms that attach to the outside of the gutter segments. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural stability while eliminating water flow obstruction
3Ease of operation
If non-identical cross-section segments are used to create telescopic fit, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the connection regions of the segments different (such as slightly varied flange dimensions or positioning features), while the main body of each segment remains identical. This allows segments to be manufactured using the same tooling and processes, reducing manufacturing complexity, while still providing adequate telescopic fit and ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or highly similar segments throughout the gutter system, with standardized cross-sections and attachment features. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing by allowing mass production of identical components, while the telescopic connection is achieved through simple overlapping or interlocking of these uniform segments
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
This design enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures unobstructed water flow by eliminating internal locking elements, allowing for effective drainage of water and condensate from roofing membranes while accommodating various roof configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Gutter segments 1a and 1b are connected to each other by placing the drainage channel 12 of segment 1a in the interior of drainage channel 12 of segment 1b. Then, segments 1a and 1b are deformed within the extent of their elasticity, as a result of which, on that section L where the segments overlap each other they form a pressure-fit connection
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The telescopic gutter is made up of thin-walled segments (1a, 1b) made of a pliable material which have identical dimensions in diagonal cross-section. One of the segments (1a) is placed in the other segment (1b) on a section where they are connected as a result of which they are elastically deformed and thus form a pressure-fit connection. The gutter is installed in the roof structure beneath its covering, above the roof window. It drains away water flowing down the vapour-open roofing membrane.