Device for fixing at least one object on a roof surface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching objects to flat roofs involve drilling through the roof structure, which is invasive and unpredictable when the underlying structure is unknown, and lack flexibility and stability in object attachment and exchange.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an anchoring plate with a base plate and cover layer, where the base plate is more stiff than the cover layer, is attached to the roof using bitumen, allowing secure and flexible attachment of objects without penetrating the roof, with adjustable connecting devices for different objects and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If roof penetrations are used to attach objects to the roof surface, then the attachment stability is improved, but the structural effort and complexity increase due to drilling through the surface coverings and roof structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidstructural effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the anchoring function from the roof structure itself by using a separate anchoring plate that distributes loads over a larger area of the roof covering, eliminating the need to drill into the roof structure while maintaining attachment stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring plate acts as an intermediary element between the roof covering and the object to be attached. It distributes the attachment forces over a larger area of the roof covering, allowing stable attachment without penetrating the roof structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If test drillings are carried out to determine the roof substructure, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the roof covering is damaged with boreholes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidboreholes in roof covering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the need for test drillings by using an anchoring plate that does not require penetration into the roof structure. The plate can be positioned and attached without creating boreholes, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining attachment reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of drilling into the roof structure to ensure reliable attachment, the invention inverts the approach by using a plate that attaches to the roof covering surface and distributes loads, making test drillings unnecessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting devices are provided for flexible object attachment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject attachment flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of connecting devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring plate is designed with multiple connecting devices that can accommodate different types of objects (photovoltaic systems, air conditioning units, etc.). The plate serves multiple functions: distributing loads, providing various attachment points, and supporting different connection methods, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4279683B1Device for fixing at least one object on a roof surface
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ABS SAFETY GMBH
  • EP4279683B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4279683B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP4279683B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (1) for fastening at least one object to a roof surface of a building, wherein the device (1) comprises an anchoring plate (3), wherein the anchoring plate (3) can be arranged on the roof surface, wherein the anchoring plate (3) has a bottom surface (5) facing the roof surface and a top surface (6) facing away from the roof surface, wherein the bottom surface (5) of the anchoring plate (3) is designed as a contact surface with the roof surface, and wherein the anchoring plate (3) comprises a base plate (6) and a cover layer body (7) arranged on the side of the base plate (6) facing away from the roof surface, wherein the base plate (6) has a higher stiffness than the cover layer body (7), and wherein the anchoring plate (3) comprises a connecting device (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) for the object to be fastened or fastened to the roof surface, wherein the connecting device (10, 11, 12, 13,14) is connected to the base plate (6) and the cover layer body (7) is penetrated by the connecting device (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) and the connecting device (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is accessible from the top (5) of the anchoring plate (3).