Movable Batten Gripper Frame for Stable Roof Element Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading and positioning prefabricated roof elements are inefficient, prone to damage, and lack stability, particularly when dealing with varying batten spacings and requiring manual handling, which complicates on-site assembly.

Innovation Solution

A device with movable batten grippers and a frame design featuring inwardly positioned transverse beams, adjustable longitudinal beams, and sliding batten grippers that accommodate different batten spacings, ensuring stable support and precise positioning of prefabricated roof elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual handling of support straps is used to load roof elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure support deteriorates and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The batten grippers are designed to automatically engage with the cross battens of the roof element without manual intervention. The grippers self-adjust and secure the load through their mechanical design, eliminating the need for manual strap handling while ensuring reliable support and positioning of the roof element during lifting and transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a simple frame structure is used for the loading device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability for supporting larger roof elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates movable batten grippers that can be adjusted along the longitudinal beams to different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to various roof element sizes and batten spacings, providing optimal stability for each specific loading scenario while maintaining a relatively simple overall frame structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed support points are used on the loading device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different batten grids deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The batten grippers are designed to be movable along the longitudinal beams rather than fixed at specific points. This allows the grippers to be positioned at different locations to match various batten spacings and grid configurations on different roof elements, providing high adaptability while keeping the overall device structure simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If cross beams are positioned at the ends of longitudinal beams, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load distribution and bending strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidbending strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cross beams are positioned asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal beams, specifically at optimized locations rather than simply at the ends. This asymmetric positioning creates more favorable load distribution patterns that reduce bending moments and improve the overall strength and stiffness of the frame structure, while still maintaining a relatively simple construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4296453B1Device for loading and positioning prefabricated roof surface elements
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 BAUER HOLZBAU GMBH
  • EP4296453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4296453B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device (10) for loading and positioning prefabricated roof elements (12) has two longitudinal beams (18, 20, 36) along which several batten grippers (42) are arranged, which are slidable along the longitudinal beams (18, 20, 36) and can be fixed in different positions along the longitudinal beams (18, 20, 36). Furthermore, the device (10) has two crossbeams (22, 24) via which the longitudinal beams (18, 20, 36) are connected to each other, wherein at least one of the crossbeams (22, 24) is arranged at a distance (A) from the ends of the longitudinal beams (18, 20, 36).