Roof-Mounted Facade Work Platform With Wall Stabilizing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for performing manual work at heights on building façades, such as scaffolding and rope systems, are costly, uncomfortable, prone to oscillation, and can damage structural elements, while suspended platforms lack stability and cause fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a first frame secured on a roofing surface, a second frame oriented vertically facing the wall, a platform, and a stabilizing element in contact with the wall, with adjustable hinges and locking mechanisms for stability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If operators work hanging from a rope system anchored on the roof, then they can reach the height corresponding to the area to be treated, but they experience discomfort and fatigue after long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspended platform as an intermediary structure between the roof anchoring points and the operators. The platform provides a stable working surface that operators can stand or sit on, eliminating the discomfort and fatigue of hanging directly from rope systems while maintaining height accessibility through the suspended configuration
2Temperature
If ropes are used to support operators hanging from the roof, then height access is achieved, but the ropes exert concentrated pressure on the eaves which can damage structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended platform acts as an intermediary that distributes the load from operator weight across multiple anchoring points on the roof rather than concentrating it at specific eave locations. This load distribution mechanism eliminates the damaged pressure points on structural elements while maintaining the ability to access heights below the roof
3Ease of operation
If suspended support structures are provided to replace rope systems, then operators have a stable platform to work on, but the structure oscillates due to wind and shifting loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suspended support structure into multiple independent segments or modules that can be individually anchored to the roof. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently stabilized and reduces overall oscillation by distributing the structural response to wind and loading across multiple discrete anchoring points rather than relying on a single continuous suspension system
Data Source
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AI summary
A support structure (100) for performing activities at height is described, comprising: a first frame (105) adapted to be rested and secured on a roofing surface (T) of a building (E), a second frame (110) connected to the first frame (105) and adapted to assume a substantially vertical orientation such that it can face a wall (P) of the building (E), below the roofing surface (T), at least when the first frame (105) is rested and secured on the roofing surface (T) itself, a platform (225) connected to the second frame (110) and adapted to assume a substantially horizontal orientation, at a lower height with respect to the roofing surface (T), at least when the second frame (110) is oriented substantially vertically and facing the wall (P) of the building (E), and a stabilising element (260) connected to the second frame (110) and adapted to be placed in contact with the wall (P) of the building (E), at least when the second frame (110) is oriented substantially vertically and facing said wall (P).