Unitary Rooftop Support Extrusion for Lower-Cost Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop equipment support systems require on-site assembly of multiple components, leading to increased installation costs and uneven degradation from environmental exposure, as they are typically made from different materials and processes.
Innovation Solution
A unitary, extruded roof equipment support system with a platform, sidewalls, and strut extensions formed from the same material, creating a U-shaped channel for structural integrity and ease of installation, and a roller element for axial movement support, reducing material usage and assembly needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled on-site to form rooftop equipment support, then the support system can be flexible in configuration, but installation costs increase and structural integrity decreases due to joints and seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base member, strut member, and equipment support into a single unitary extruded member, eliminating the need for on-site assembly. This monolithic structure removes joints and seams that would otherwise increase installation complexity and reduce structural integrity, while the extrusion process allows for customizable configurations to meet different rooftop equipment support needs.
2Reliability
If multiple components made from different materials are assembled, then specific material properties can be optimized for each component, but uneven degradation occurs from environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single material composition throughout the entire unitary extruded member, ensuring uniform degradation characteristics across all portions of the support structure. This homogeneous construction eliminates the differential degradation that occurs at interfaces between dissimilar materials when exposed to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature cycling, and UV radiation, thereby extending the overall service life and reliability of the installation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are joined together, then assembly flexibility is improved, but structural strength decreases due to joints and seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a monolithic unitary structure through extrusion that eliminates all joints and seams between components. This single-piece construction provides superior structural integrity and strength compared to assembled systems, as there are no weak points at connection interfaces. The extrusion process allows the material to be continuously formed without interruption, ensuring uniform density and strength throughout the entire support member.
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 solution reduces installation costs, ensures even wear from environmental factors, and enhances structural strength by eliminating joints and seams, allowing for customizable lengths and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
the platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall are unitarily formed
Data Source
AI summary
A roof equipment support includes a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform. The platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a second end. A pair of strut extensions extend above the top wall, and each of the pair of strut extension include a hook at a distal end. The pair of strut extensions and the top wall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of the length of the support, and the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed.