Angled Sheet Metal Storm Clip for Roof Panel Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm clips for securing roof tiles are complex and expensive to manufacture, prone to yielding under wind suction forces, and lack flexibility for panel displacement during assembly, making them inefficient for securing panels against storms.
Innovation Solution
A storm clip formed from a multiply angled sheet metal section with a fastening area, hooking areas, and integrated guides for longitudinal and transverse displacement, allowing secure attachment and movement of panels, and featuring a hook-like cutout for securing and guiding panels, which can be easily manufactured and fastened to a roof structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a storm clip with multiple angling and complex shape is used to secure panels, then the holding force against wind suction is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storm clip is divided into functionally distinct zones: a fastening area with first and second shank portions for attachment to the roof structure, a middle portion with a first shoulder for securing panels, and a second shoulder for additional panel engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and resistance to wind suction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The storm clip employs a simplified monolithic design that can be manufactured through straightforward punching and bending operations from sheet metal, replacing complex multi-component assemblies. The design accepts limited reusability in favor of dramatically reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, aligning with the principle of using simpler, more economical components.
2Reliability
If a storm clip with multiple bending and angling is used to secure panels, then the panel securing capability is improved, but the resilience under wind suction forces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The storm clip structure separates the resilient bending zones from the load-bearing engagement zones. The shank portions provide flexible attachment while the shoulders provide rigid panel engagement points, allowing the structure to absorb wind suction forces through controlled deformation in the shank regions while maintaining secure panel attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The design modifies the geometric parameters of the sheet metal section, specifically the angles and dimensions of the shank portions and shoulders, to optimize the balance between flexibility for panel accommodation and rigidity for wind load resistance. The first shank portion angle and second shank portion angle are specifically configured to achieve this parameter optimization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a storm clip with fixed panel positioning is used, then the panel holding stability is improved, but the assembly flexibility and panel displacement capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The storm clip incorporates dynamic characteristics through its resilient shank portions that can flex and deform during assembly to accommodate panel position variations. The first and second shank portions act as flexible elements that allow temporary displacement while maintaining overall structural stability, enabling both adaptability during assembly and stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the shank portions, including their lengths, angles, and cross-sectional dimensions, are specifically designed to provide controlled flexibility. These parameter changes allow the storm clip to accommodate a range of panel positions during assembly while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hold panels stably once installed.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The storm clamp has two connecting parts to connect two plates. The latch and a longitudinal shifting guide for third plate (4) and a hook and a transverse guide for second plate (3) is made. The sheet metal section has first surface (5) as attachment surface and second surface (6) which is bent at 45[deg]. The first surface is parallel to third surface (7) and second surface lies between first and third surface. An independent claim is also included for a suitable roof with storm clamp.