Marker Holder for Buried Roof Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural elements such as pipes and skylights often become buried under snow or debris, making them difficult to see and leading to damage or safety hazards for workers, as they can be accidentally damaged or stepped on.
Innovation Solution
A marker holder assembly that includes a worm clamp and a holder attached to the clamp, allowing a marker to extend through burying materials like snow, providing visibility of buried pipes and hazardous elements like skylights, which can be easily attached to various surfaces including metal and PVC pipes and roofs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If structural elements are installed flush with the roof surface, then the roof appearance is improved and waterproofing is enhanced, but the elements become difficult to see and workers may step on them causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the marker by extending it above the roof surface. The marker holder attaches to the flush-mounted structural element and projects a marker upward, transforming the invisible horizontal element into a visible vertical feature that workers can see from a distance.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If markers are made longer to extend through more snow accumulation, then visibility through snow is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The worm clamp mechanism serves multiple functions: it attaches to various surface types (metal roofs, PVC pipes, structural elements), provides adjustable positioning, and secures the marker holder firmly. This universal attachment mechanism handles different installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If the marker holder is made more robust to ensure secure attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The worm clamp is self-adjusting and self-securing. As the worm gear is turned, it automatically tightens the band around the structural element, distributing the clamping force evenly. The design self-regulates the attachment pressure without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A marker assembly is provided. The marker assembly is attachable to a roof or roof element to alert a worker to potential hazards nearby. For example, the marker assemblies may be attached to a roof, such as a corrugated roof, adjacent to four corners of a skylight, to alert a worker that the skylight may be nearby, particularly in the event that it may be buried or otherwise hidden or obscured. A transmitting beacon within the marker holder which may provide an output signal receivable by a computerized receiver. Upon receipt of the output signal by the computerized receiver, the computerized receiver can provide a notifying output.