Modular Rafter Assembly with Adjustable Pitch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rafter systems are inflexible, as they are typically prefabricated in standardized lengths and pitches, making it difficult and costly to accommodate roofs with varying sizes and pitches, necessitating a modular solution that allows for adjustable lengths and angles.
Innovation Solution
A modular rafter assembly featuring rafters with multiple linear attachment holes for different pitch angles, allowing adjustable connection and use of fasteners like bolts or screws for securing desired pitch angles, along with eave rafters and purlin clips for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized prefabricated rafters are used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to different roof pitches and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rafter assembly incorporates adjustable pitch mechanisms that allow the rafter angle to be dynamically changed during installation. The connection system enables the rafter to be positioned at multiple pitch angles (e.g., 4/12, 3/12, 2/12) by adjusting the position of connection plates or brackets along the rafter length, thus providing adaptability while maintaining a standardized prefabricated product.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pitch parameter of the rafter by providing multiple pre-drilled holes or attachment points at different positions along the rafter. By selecting different attachment points, the effective pitch angle of the rafter assembly can be changed without requiring different rafter lengths or designs, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-fabricated rafter sets for different pitches are maintained in inventory, then adaptability to various roof requirements is improved, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rafter assembly is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple pitch requirements through its adjustable connection system. A single standardized rafter design with multiple attachment options can replace the need for maintaining separate inventory of rafters for different pitches (4/12, 3/12, 2/12, etc.), thus reducing inventory quantity while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable pitch mechanism allows a single rafter type to dynamically adapt to different pitch requirements on-site, eliminating the need to stock multiple fixed-pitch rafter variants. This dynamic adjustability consolidates inventory needs into a single versatile product line.
3Ease of operation
If custom-length rafters are manufactured for different roof sizes, then fit and coverage are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rafter assembly is segmented into modular components (rafter sections, connection plates, brackets) that can be combined in different configurations. Standardized modular sections can be assembled to achieve different effective lengths and pitches through selective combination, rather than manufacturing custom-length rafters for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows the rafter assembly to be dynamically configured for different roof spans and pitches by selecting and combining appropriate standard sections, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing while achieving precise fit for various roof sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular rafter assembly is provided. The modular rafter assembly includes a plurality of different types of rafters having varying lengths and that are adjustable to varying pitches. The modular rafter assemblies disclosed herein utilize a plurality of rafters in varying lengths, widths, and using varying thickness plates to allow for differing load calculations. Each of the rafters also includes a pitch adjusting mechanism that allows adjustment of the pitch of the rafter depending on the desired roof pitch.