Modular Tread Module Segmentation for Roof Walkway Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walkway and stairway systems face challenges such as complex and costly on-site construction, high weight, and safety hazards due to steep roof pitches and weather conditions, necessitating a solution that simplifies installation and ensures safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular tread system made from materials like glass-reinforced polyamide or cast aluminum, featuring drainage apertures, retention mechanisms integrated into the surface, and a design allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, with a rigid structure and textured surface for slip resistance, to minimize construction difficulties and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke on-site construction work is performed for each roof, then the walkway can be customized to fit specific roof pitch angles and distances, but the construction time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The walkway system is divided into standardized modular tread units that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module has fixed dimensions and attachment features, allowing customization of the overall walkway geometry without customizing individual components, thus reducing on-site construction time while maintaining adaptability to various roof pitches and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread modules are designed with universal attachment features and standardized dimensions that allow them to be used across different roof configurations. The same basic module can be installed at various pitch angles and distances by adjusting the arrangement and number of modules rather than customizing each component, enabling one design to serve multiple installation scenarios.
2Reliability
If traditional walkway systems are installed on steep roofs, then coverage is provided, but the weight of the system becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The tread modules utilize composite material construction combining lightweight polymers with reinforcing fibers or materials, achieving a high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the walkway to maintain sufficient load-bearing capacity and structural integrity for safety while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional solid metal or concrete systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread modules employ thin-walled structural designs with optimized shell geometries that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing material usage and weight. The shell structures are engineered to distribute loads efficiently across the module surface, maintaining reliability with reduced weight.
3Strength
If retention means protrude above the load carrying surface, then secure attachment is achieved, but safety hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The retention means are designed to be nested within recesses or cavities in the tread module structure. The retention features fit into dedicated slots or holes in the supporting roof structure, with the attachment mechanism contained entirely within the thickness of the tread module, ensuring no protruding elements create safety hazards on the load carrying surface while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A tread module (10) for a walkway or stairway includes a body of material which defines a load-carrying surface (14), the tread module including at least two sub-module sections (20,21,22) which are formed integrally with one another and inter-connected by at least one severable formation (23) whereby the tread module may be reduced in size by severance of the severable formation(s).