Flat Roof Detection Device With Segmented Sensor Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection devices for flat roofs are inefficient in installation, data acquisition, parameter evaluation, and reliability, often leading to delayed detection of leaks and damage due to complex sensor arrangements and laborious mounting processes.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a measuring head arranged in a separate housing, creating constant conditions and a distance from the roof environment, allowing for systematic data collection and preventing false alarms, with adjustable detection heads and wireless connectivity for real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are laid directly on the vapor barrier or in the thermal insulation, then detection capability is achieved, but installation becomes complicated and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is divided into separate functional modules: a housing unit with detection heads inside, and a separate sensor array that can be independently installed on the vapor barrier. This segmentation allows the detection system to function reliably without requiring complex integration into the roof structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection head housed in a protective housing that mediates between the harsh roof environment and the sensitive sensors. The detection heads are positioned at a distance from the vapor barrier, allowing them to detect moisture conditions without being directly exposed to thermal and mechanical stresses, thus simplifying installation while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If water/humidity sensors are mounted stationary on the flat roof, then detection function is provided, but installation becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detection heads and sensors are merged into a single integrated housing unit that functions as one installable component. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting of individual sensors, significantly reducing installation labor while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across different roof conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed as a universal unit that can detect multiple parameters (moisture, temperature, pressure) simultaneously through different detection heads. This multi-functional design allows a single installation to provide comprehensive roof condition monitoring, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor installations.

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

3Reliability

If detection head is arranged at a distance from the vapor barrier, then false alarms are prevented, but detection sensitivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarm preventionVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection head is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the distance from the vapor barrier to be dynamically optimized. The housing can be positioned at different heights and angles to achieve the ideal detection distance, balancing false alarm prevention with detection sensitivity based on specific installation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple detection heads with different sensing parameters and thresholds. By varying the detection parameters (such as moisture threshold, temperature compensation values) for different detection heads, the system can maintain high sensitivity while preventing false alarms through parameter optimization rather than simply reducing detection distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2869050B1Detection device for flat roofs
Publication Date: 2017.02.01 FLEISCHMANN & PETSCHNIG DACHDECKUNGS
  • EP2869050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2869050B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2869050B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a detection device for testing flat roofs on/of buildings. In particular, a water sensor is used to detect water that has accumulated on the vapor barrier due to leaks or condensation.