Magnetic Field Center Plane Detection Through Roof Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating the center of structural members like rafters in rooftop solar installations are costly, time-consuming, and prone to causing structural and cosmetic damage, with advanced technologies like FLIR and UWB being expensive and often inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using a magnet assembly with symmetrically positioned magnetic blocks to generate a magnetic field, measurable by a compass or magnetometer, which identifies the center plane of a member occluded by a barrier, such as a roof deck, by detecting parallel force vectors within the magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If drilling probing holes is used to locate structural members, then location accuracy is improved, but structural damage and cosmetic damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidstructural damage and cosmetic damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical drilling system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic blocks are positioned on the roof surface to generate a magnetic field that extends through the roof deck, and a measurement device detects the field to locate the center plane without physical contact or drilling, thereby eliminating structural and cosmetic damage while maintaining location accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the detection device and the structural member. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that can penetrate the roof deck barrier to convey information about the member's location without requiring physical penetration or contact, thus avoiding damage while enabling precise detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If advanced methods like FLIR and UWB are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive magnetic blocks and a relatively simple measurement device instead of expensive FLIR cameras or UWB radar systems. The magnetic field generation and detection components are low-cost, making the system economically viable while achieving comparable detection accuracy through a different physical principle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes complex thermal imaging or radar systems with a simpler magnetic field-based system. By using magnetic fields instead of electromagnetic waves or thermal radiation, the system achieves similar detection capabilities with less complex and more affordable equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If drilling multiple holes is performed, then location information is obtained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation informationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning by placing magnetic blocks on the roof surface before detection. This preliminary setup creates a controlled magnetic field configuration that enables direct and rapid location identification, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial drilling and multiple probing attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for accurate and efficient location of structural members without damaging the roof, reducing the need for costly and labor-intensive drilling and minimizing cosmetic damage, while being more cost-effective than advanced technologies.

Implementation Method 1

employing a magnet assembly to generate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a magnet assembly including one or more magnetic blocks that collectively produce a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11204232B2Apparatus and associated methods for detecting a center plane of a member through a barrier

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 EDIGER DUANE

AI summary

An apparatus is disclosed for identifying a target region along a surface of a barrier corresponding to a plane defined along a member, where the member is occluded from view by nature of the barrier. The apparatus includes a measurement device and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly generates a magnetic field, and is positioned along a predetermined location of the member over a first side of the barrier. The measurement device is positioned over a second side of the barrier and measures properties of the magnetic field to identify the target region in general alignment with the plane.