Angled Batten Support Plate for Roofing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roofing systems face challenges in securely attaching roofing battens to rafters, leading to potential detachment and safety hazards when workers tread on the battens.
Innovation Solution
A batten support plate is introduced, featuring a base portion to secure to the rafter and a ledge portion to support the batten laterally, distributing the load and reducing the reliance on single nails for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single nail is used to attach the batten end to the rafter, then the attachment process is simple and quick, but the attachment strength and reliability are insufficient when workers tread on the batten
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent fastening points: one fastener at the batten end and another fastener at the batten support plate. This divides the single attachment function into multiple segments, where each segment contributes to the overall attachment reliability while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The batten support plate provides localized reinforcement at the batten end region. By adding structural support specifically at the vulnerable batten end area rather than along the entire batten length, the solution improves attachment reliability locally where it is most needed while keeping the overall system simple.
2Ease of operation
If the batten end projects beyond the rafter without support, then the batten can be easily installed, but the projecting end lacks strength and is prone to bending and breaking when workers stand on it
Solution Approach 1:
The batten support plate acts as an intermediary structural element between the batten end and the rafter. This intermediate component provides the necessary support and strength to the batten end projection, distributing loads and preventing bending while maintaining the ease of installation achieved by the simple batten-end-against-rafter configuration.
3Productivity
If a batten joint is made by meeting ends part-way across the rafter, then the battens can span the correct distances, but the single-nail attachment at the joint is liable to come adrift because there is no portion extending on the other side of the rafter to help support it
Solution Approach 1:
The joint attachment is segmented into multiple fastening locations: one fastener at the batten end and another fastener at the batten support plate positioned further along the rafter. This segmentation of the attachment system provides distributed support across the joint area, preventing the attachment from coming adrift while maintaining the ability to span correct distances.
4Device complexity
If conventional battens are used without additional support, then the structure remains simple, but workers may carelessly tread on the battens causing the single-nail attachment to fail and the batten end to bend and break
Solution Approach 1:
The solution introduces asymmetric reinforcement: the simple batten structure is maintained for most of its length, but an asymmetric support element (the batten support plate) is added specifically at the vulnerable batten end region. This asymmetric addition provides safety reinforcement only where needed, minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity while eliminating the safety hazard.
Data Source
AI summary
A batten support (5) is provided for supporting a batten (2a, 2b) in a roof structure. The batten support (5) has a base portion (51) shaped to lie on or against a roof support member (1). The base portion (51) is configured to be secured to the roof support member (1) by a fastener (3) passing through the base portion (51) into the roof support member (1). The batten support (5) also has a ledge portion (52) projecting at an angle relative to the base portion (51), to lie against a lateral surface of the batten (2a, 2b), thereby supporting the batten (2a, 2b). A method of forming the roof structure is also provided, the roof structure when formed comprising the batten (2a, 2b), the roof support member (1) and the batten support (5). The method comprises: arranging the base portion (51) of the batten support (5) on, or against, a surface of the roof support member (1); arranging a surface of the batten (2a, 2b) on, or against, a ledge portion (52) of the batten support (5), the ledge portion (52) projecting at an angle to the base portion (51); and passing the fastener (3) through at least one of the base portion (51) and the ledge portion (52) into the roof support member (1).