Integral Extruded Roof Forming Elements for Structural Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof forming technologies lack a lightweight, cost-efficient, and versatile solution for building roofs that can efficiently cover large openings while providing structural support and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A roof forming element with an L-shaped cross-section, comprising an extruded polymer roof plate and beam, where the beam protrudes from one side and supports adjacent elements, allowing for efficient coupling and coverage of large areas, with optional photovoltaic integration and insulating features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate components are used for roof plates and beams, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but structural stiffness and assembly efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the roof plate and beam into a single integral extruded component. The extrusion process creates a unified structure where the roof plate and beam are manufactured as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components and connections. This merging provides continuous structural stiffness along the entire length of the roof element while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through the extrusion process.
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used for roof assembly, then ease of repair is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the roof system into discrete, standardized extruded elements that can be individually manufactured and assembled. Each element is a complete functional unit with integrated roof plate and beam sections. This segmentation allows for quick replacement of individual elements if needed, while the standardized design enables rapid assembly through simple coupling mechanisms between elements.
3Strength
If conventional roof systems are used, then structural support is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the extrusion process to optimize the cross-sectional geometry of the roof elements. The extruded profile is designed with specific thickness variations, rib configurations, and hollow sections that maximize structural strength-to-weight ratio. By controlling the dimensional parameters during extrusion, the design achieves adequate structural support with minimized material usage and overall weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roof forming element for a roof, comprising a roof plate, a beam integral with the roof plate, such that the integral combination of the roof plate and the beam has an L-shaped cross-section, a cover, and coupling means for coupling the roof forming element to a further, neighbouring element. The roof forming element, at least in a mounted condition of a plurality of such elements, is configured such that the second longitudinal side of the element is arranged to be supported by the first longitudinal side of a further, neighbouring one of said elements, so that the beam of the further roof forming element also supports the roof plate of the roof forming element, and so that the respective roof plate elements of said roof forming element and further roof forming element are flush with respect to each other.