Thermal Gutter Guard with Conductive Ribs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gutter guard systems fail to effectively prevent debris from entering gutters while allowing water to pass through, and they are hindered by freezing temperatures, leading to ice dam formation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A gutter debris preclusion system with a filter element supported by a rigid, thermally conductive underlying structure, incorporating resistive heating wires to melt frozen water, ensuring efficient heat transfer through multiple ribs and slots, and controlled by sensors for optimal power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid barrier with holes is used to preclude debris, then debris cannot pass through, but water cannot pass through effectively due to surface tension and adhesion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid to slush/melted state using thermal energy, altering its flow characteristics to pass through the filter element effectively while maintaining debris preclusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical barrier system with a thermally active system that uses heat to melt ice and maintain water flow through the filter element, substituting thermal processes for mechanical water flow management
2Reliability
If freezing temperatures are encountered, then water freezes and precludes water from passing into the gutter, but adding heat source increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that detect freezing conditions and automatically activate the heating element only when needed, creating a feedback-controlled system that minimizes energy consumption while maintaining reliability in freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates periodically based on sensor detection of freezing conditions rather than continuously, activating only when ice formation is detected and deactivating when temperatures rise, thus reducing overall energy consumption
3Strength
If snow and ice accumulate on the gutter guard, then the weight can damage the gutter or gutter guard, but designing for high loads increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by melting snow and ice before they can accumulate to damaging weights, using the heating element to prevent ice buildup rather than designing the structure to withstand heavy ice loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of freezing temperatures and ice accumulation into a beneficial process by using the detected freezing conditions to activate heating that melts the ice, transforming the problem of ice weight into a controlled melting process
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 effectively prevents debris from entering gutters while allowing water to flow, maintains functionality in freezing conditions, reduces icicle formation, and prevents damage from frozen water loads, facilitating efficient rainwater collection.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating resistive heating wires to melt frozen water
Implementation Method 2
Both the filter element and the rigid body are formed of metallic heat conducting material and the filter element is provided in contact with the rigid body. A heat source is located adjacent the rigid body to conduct heat into the body and then to the filter element through the body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a substantially rigid body providing underlying support for a filter screen. The invention further includes at least one heating wire disposed adjacent to the body, which is formed of heat conductive material. The body is configured with multiple ribs extending up from a floor so that heat transfer from the body to the screen can occur in a variety of different locations to keep the screen sufficiently heated. The body also includes a wing for interfacing with roofing and openings to allow water filtering through the screen to migrate down into the gutter. A cover overlies a channel, which contains one or more of the heating wires. The system includes a flange attached to the body and extends into the gutter enhancing the heat transfer from the body to within the gutter to keep the water flowing in gutter.