Modular Roof Fall Protection Using Existing Building Substructures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall protection systems for buildings, particularly on roofs, are complex, costly, and require significant effort to install and dismantle, while also restricting the use of the building and often necessitate additional substructures.

Innovation Solution

A modular fall protection system utilizing vertical struts and crossbars attached to existing substructures like profile rails, allowing for easy installation and dismantling without additional substructures, leveraging existing infrastructure such as solar system profiles for stability and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional scaffolding systems are installed for fall protection, then reliable fall protection is achieved, but the system becomes complex, costly, and requires significant effort to install and dismantle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fall protection system is divided into modular components: vertical braces that attach to existing substructure, horizontal braces that connect vertical braces, and optional safety net support. This segmentation allows easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable protection and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to attach to various existing building substructures (roof trusses, walls, solar panel mounting structures) making it universally applicable across different building types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex structures while maintaining fall protection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional scaffolding systems are installed for fall protection, then fall protection is provided, but significant material and effort are required for installation and dismantling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing building substructures that have already been installed as part of the building construction or solar panel mounting. By utilizing these pre-existing structures as attachment points, the invention eliminates the need to install additional heavy substructure, significantly reducing material usage while maintaining fall protection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The modular braces and connectors can be easily disassembled and reused for other fall protection installations. This recoverability reduces overall material consumption across multiple installations while maintaining reliable protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If complex fall protection systems are installed, then safety is improved, but the building functionality is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection reliabilityVSAvoidbuilding usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be temporary and removable, allowing the building to dynamically switch between protected construction phases and full operational use. The modular components can be quickly installed when needed and removed when construction is complete, maintaining both safety and building adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4328399A1Fall protection for buildings
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 ENPAL BV
  • EP4328399A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2a
  • EP4328399A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4328399A1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2e

AI summary

The present invention provides a fall protection system for buildings comprising vertical struts attached to a substructure of building structures; fastening means that provide a fixed connection between the vertical struts and the substructure; and one or more cross struts attached to the vertical struts, wherein the one or more cross struts are attached to at least two vertical struts.