H-Shaped Clip with Hook-and-Loop for Roofing Wind Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roofing and wall covering systems require complex and labor-intensive installation and retrofitting processes, often necessitating two workers for wind suction protection, and previous solutions like storm clips are difficult to dismantle and can damage roofing materials.

Innovation Solution

The use of roofing or wall covering elements with integrated hook-and-loop connecting elements that allow for quick and single-person installation, providing a reversible and detachable mechanical connection to the substructure using h-shaped clips with hook-and-loop surfaces, enabling easy retrofitting and wind suction protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storm clips are used for wind suction protection, then wind suction protection is achieved, but installation requires two workers and is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind suction protectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the storm clip function and the connecting element into a single integrated clip structure. The clip has a first limb for engaging the roofing element and a second limb for fastening to the batten, eliminating the need for separate storm clip and connecting element components. This integration allows single-person installation while maintaining wind suction protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip is divided into functional segments: a first limb for engaging the roofing element circumference, a second limb for fastening to the batten, and a web portion coupling them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while the overall structure remains simple enough for single-person installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If storm clips are used to secure roofing elements, then wind suction protection is achieved, but subsequent release is difficult and may require breaking up elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind suction protectionVSAvoidrelease difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a reversible fastening mechanism where the clip can be easily attached and detached. The first limb engages over the roofing element circumference and the second limb fastens to the batten, but both connections can be reversed without damage. This dynamic reversibility allows easy release for repairs or photovoltaic system installation without breaking up roofing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If hook-and-loop fastener strips are used for storm-proof fastening, then wind suction protection is achieved, but the strips can be damaged or torn off easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind suction protectionVSAvoidfastener durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hook-and-loop fastening system with a mechanical clip-based fastening system. The clip uses rigid limbs that engage over the roofing element and fasten to the batten, providing a more durable and damage-resistant connection compared to flexible hook-and-loop strips that can be torn off easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If hook-and-loop connecting elements are attached to roof battens in advance, then installation is simplified, but the battens can be contaminated or damaged and precise fastening position compliance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbatten contamination and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attaching connecting elements to the battens in advance, the patent inverts the approach by having the clip engage the roofing element first (with the first limb) and then fasten to the batten (with the second limb). This reversal prevents contamination or damage to the battens during handling and installation, while still achieving simplified installation through the integrated clip design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the installation and retrofitting of roofing and wall coverings, allowing for quick and single-person operation, while providing reliable wind suction protection and reducing material damage during retrofitting processes.

Implementation Method 1

A first hook-and-loop connecting element is fixed to the second zone thereby providing a hook-and-loop surfaced area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook-and-loop fastening mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2792809B1Clip for clamping the circumference of a roofing or wall covering element

Publication Date: 2016.07.13 ETERNIT AG

Figure 1a~1b
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Figure 4

AI summary

Roofing or wall covering, having a plurality of rows of roofing or wall covering elements which adjoin one another and are laid in an overlapping manner, at least some of the roofing or wall covering elements being roofing or wall covering elements comprising a hook-and-loop fastening element and being fastened or being capable of being fastened mechanically in a reversibly releasable manner to the roof or wall substructure by way of the respective complementary fastening element which is attached or can be attached to a roof or wall substructure.