Stabilisation element and method for stabilizing a roof hook with respect to a roof tile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof hooks struggle to interact stably with roof tiles featuring upwardly projecting water barriers, requiring cumbersome and costly modifications that damage the tiles and are logistically and economically unfavorable.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization element comprising a chain of pivotably connected filler segments and a fastening element that engages with the roof hook, allowing the filler segments to be stacked to fill the space between the roof hook and the tile, providing a stable interface without modifying the hook or tile, and featuring deformable segments for impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the roof hook is deformed or modified to interact with the water barrier, then stability is improved, but the tiles are damaged and the operation becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of roof hook interactionVSAvoiddamage to roof tile
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilization element as an intermediary component between the roof hook and the roof tile. This stabilization element includes a stabilizing arm that can be inserted into the water barrier recess and a stabilization member that contacts the roof tile, thereby mediating the interaction without requiring deformation of the roof hook itself. This resolves the contradiction by providing stability through an intermediate component rather than through direct modification of the hook or damage to the tile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the roof hook arm is positioned at a distance from the roof tile, then ease of installation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to easy pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstability of roof hook interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element incorporates a stabilizing arm that is pivotably connected to the stabilization member. This dynamic connection allows the stabilizing arm to be inserted into the water barrier recess while the stabilization member maintains contact with the roof tile. The pivotable connection provides the necessary flexibility for installation while ensuring stability during operation, as the stabilizing arm can pivot to accommodate the insertion motion while maintaining the stabilizing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a recess is created in the water barrier using a grinder, then stability is improved, but the water-repellent capabilities are damaged and the operation is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of roof hook interactionVSAvoidtime for modification operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element serves as an intermediary that interfaces with the existing water barrier structure without requiring modification. The stabilizing arm is designed to be inserted into the water barrier recess (if present) or to work alongside the water barrier structure, eliminating the need for time-consuming grinding operations. This resolves the contradiction by providing a stabilization mechanism that works with the existing tile structure rather than requiring modification of the tile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the stabilization element uses multiple pivotably connected filler segments, then adaptability to various spacings is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various spacingsVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element is divided into multiple segments including a stabilizing arm and a stabilization member, which are pivotably connected to each other. This segmentation allows the element to adapt to various spacings between the roof hook and the roof tile by pivoting at the connection points. The modular segmented structure provides adaptability while keeping the overall device relatively simple, as each segment performs a specific function and the pivotable connections provide the necessary flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The stabilization element ensures a stable and secure interaction between the roof hook and tile, preventing deformation and damage, while allowing flexible adaptation to various spacings and loads, including those from solar panels and weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a chain of several filler segments pivotably connected to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

several filler segments can be brought into a stacked position in order to fill a space between a roof tile and a roof hook

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

at least one filler segment is provided with a coupling member, and wherein at least one adjacent filler segment is provided with a complementary coupling member, wherein the coupling member and the complementary coupling member are configured to interact with one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

at least one fastening element connected to the chain for fastening the stabilization element to a roof hook

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3361183B1Stabilisation element and method for stabilizing a roof hook with respect to a roof tile
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 ESDEC BV
  • EP3361183B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3361183B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3361183B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a stabilization element. The invention also relates to an assembly of a stabilization element and a roof hook. The invention also relates to a method for stabilizing a roof hook with respect to a roof tile, in particular by using a stabilization element according to the invention.