Modular Stair Stringer for Rooftop Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stairway systems for rooftops are cumbersome and difficult to install and maintain, especially when replacing or modifying existing structures, as they require heavy machinery and cannot be easily adjusted to accommodate changes in rooftop elements like HVAC equipment and piping.
Innovation Solution
A modular stairway system comprising right and left stringers that can be coupled to create stairways of varying dimensions, allowing for efficient and safe installation and modification without handling large stringers, using a design with horizontal, center angled, and vertical arms, and apertures for coupling and anchoring to structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional large stringers are used to create stairways, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of installation and modification deteriorates due to requiring heavy machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The stair stringer is divided into multiple modular sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each section contains standardized attachment features that enable connection without heavy machinery, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stringer design incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow the structure to be dynamically modified. The modular sections can be detached, repositioned, and reconnected to accommodate changes in rooftop elements, providing both strength and adaptability during installation and maintenance phases.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed-design stringers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to changing rooftop elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stringer is segmented into standardized modular sections that can be manufactured using simple, repeatable processes. The standardization of connection interfaces maintains manufacturing simplicity while the modular nature enables adaptability to different rooftop configurations and equipment placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular stringer sections are designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate various rooftop elements and configurations. The same basic module can be used in different positions and orientations to adapt to changing requirements without requiring custom manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If modular stringer sections are used to improve adaptability, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into modular sections does increase the number of components, each section is designed with simplified, standardized connection interfaces that reduce the complexity of assembly operations. The modular approach trades component quantity for reduced assembly difficulty and improved adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stair stringer may include a body. The body may include a horizontal arm, a center angled portion coupled to the horizontal arm, and a vertical arm coupled to the center angled portion. The stair stringer may also include a first appendage coupled to a first edge of the horizontal arm, a second appendage coupled to a second edge of the horizontal arm, a third appendage coupled to a third edge of the vertical arm, and a fourth appendage coupled to a fourth edge of the vertical arm. The fourth edge may be adjacent the third edge. The first appendage, the second appendage, and the third appendage are parallel with respect to one another. A stairway system may include a first stair stringer and a second stair stringer. The second stair stringer may be an architectural chiral with respect to the first stair stringer.