Roof Fastener Setting Tool With Magnetic Washer Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing setting tools for securing roofing membranes and insulation layers on flat roofs require complex assembly processes due to the need for precise positioning and timely release of load distribution washers, which are typically achieved through mechanical holding devices that are cumbersome and unreliable under construction site conditions.

Innovation Solution

A setting device utilizing a magnetic holder for load distribution discs, which securely positions and releases the discs without additional mechanical clamps, using a symmetrical or asymmetrical magnetic system to align and center the discs during the fastening process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical holding devices are used to position load distribution washers, then the washers can be held in position, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases under construction site conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of washer positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of holding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical holding devices with a simple magnetic field generated by a magnet in the mounting guide. This magnetic field passively holds the ferromagnetic load distribution washer in position without requiring mechanical clamps, springs, or actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability under construction site conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical holding devices are used to position load distribution washers, then the washers can be held in position, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional components that can jam or require manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of washer positioning and releaseVSAvoidnumber of mechanical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field replaces mechanical holding components, eliminating parts that can jam or require manual intervention. The washer is automatically held by magnetism during positioning and automatically released when the screw head contacts it, simplifying operation without additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic holding system is passive and self-regulating. It automatically holds the washer in position during the setting process and automatically releases it when the screw head contacts the washer, without requiring manual actuation or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If mechanical holding devices are used to position load distribution washers, then the washers can be held in position, but the productivity decreases due to cumbersome assembly processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speed on large roof areasVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field enables a streamlined assembly process where the washer is passively held in the mounting guide and automatically positioned when the screw is inserted. This eliminates time-consuming manual positioning and assembly operations, significantly improving productivity on large roof areas where thousands of fastening points must be installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field pre-positions the load distribution washer in the mounting guide before the screw insertion process begins. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual alignment and positioning during the fastening operation, speeding up the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If mechanical holding devices are used to position load distribution washers, then the washers can be held in position, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to difficulty in achieving precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of washer positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field provides precise and consistent positioning of the ferromagnetic washer in the mounting guide without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms. The magnetic attraction naturally centers the washer, achieving high positioning precision with a simple magnet instead of complex mechanical positioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates a streamlined workflow by allowing precise and reliable positioning of load distribution discs and fasteners, reducing jamming and manual intervention, thus enhancing installation efficiency on large roof areas.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic holder of the load distribution discs in the mounting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic system arranged symmetrically around an axis in the mounting bracket, the strength of which is designed to allow a load distribution disc to be suspended in the mounting bracket without additional mechanical holding devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

The magnetic system is designed so that the load distribution disc is securely held in the mounting position, yet releases in a timely manner during the installation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4700188A1Setting tool
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SFS GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP4700188A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700188A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700188A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A setting device (100) for mounting roof membranes (470) and insulation layers (450) onto a substructure (460) uses an arrangement of a fastener (210) and a ferromagnetic load distribution disc (200) for fastening. The setting device comprises a movable frame (130) with a first feed device (110) for load distribution discs and a second feed device (120) for fasteners. The setting process starts with the manual actuation of a vertically arranged, spring-loaded telescopic push rod (145). A drive unit (150) attached to the push rod, with a motor-driven drive mandrel (155), drives a fastener from an assembly guide 320 through a load distribution disc (200), which is held in an assembly guide in the base assembly 310 of the setting device.For this purpose, a magnetic system is used which is designed so that the load distribution disc (200) to be installed can be fixed suspended in the mounting bracket (300) without additional mechanical holding means.