Adjustable Roof Support System for Truss Access Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof and floor support systems for buildings with access holes are costly due to custom design and manufacturing requirements, and they pose challenges in transportation and installation due to their bulky nature.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support system comprising interlocking elements with fastener slots and a cross-section featuring a main rail with top and bottom extensions, allowing for adjustable assembly and easy on-site installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional roof support systems are custom-designed and manufactured for each specific application, then the structural support requirement is met, but the manufacturing cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system uses universal truss components with standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate various access hole sizes and configurations. The same basic truss design can be adapted to different applications by adjusting panel configurations rather than designing custom solutions for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel contains standardized components that can be combined to create support structures for various access hole dimensions, reducing the need for custom manufacturing.
2Reliability
If conventional roof support systems are assembled off-site and then transported to the building location, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the transportation space and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into flat, disassemblable panels that can be packaged efficiently for transportation. These panels can be assembled on-site or pre-assembled in a compact manner, significantly reducing the volume required for shipping while maintaining structural integrity when properly installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roof support systems are custom-designed for each building, then the specific access hole dimensions are accommodated, but the design time and lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal truss components and standardized panels that can be configured to accommodate various access hole dimensions without requiring custom design. The modular nature allows for quick adaptation to different building requirements using the same basic component library.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system allows for dynamic configuration of panels and trusses to adapt to different access hole sizes and shapes. The modular design enables flexible arrangement of components to match specific architectural requirements while using standardized parts.
4Reliability
If conventional roof support systems are installed traditionally, then the structural support is provided, but the installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into pre-fabricated modular panels that can be quickly assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for faster installation compared to traditional custom-built systems, as the panels are designed for efficient assembly with standardized connection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable roof support system is disclosed for supporting a roof or a floor in a building having at least one truss. The system includes a plurality of interlocking segments, each having at least one fastener slot and a cross-section comprising a main rail with a top extension and a bottom extension that define an interior channel and an external periphery. The interlocking segments include at least one female length and one male length, wherein the exterior periphery of the male length fits within the interior channel of the female length. The system also includes at least one fastener configured to pass through the fastener slots of the male and female segments to secure them together, and an attachment point coupled to at least one end of the assembled segments to secure them to the truss. The assembled length is slidably adjustable, and the system can be assembled on a structure having a first truss and a second truss. The system may also include a cross connector configured to secure one interlocking length to another at an angle.