Roofing LED Strip Fastening With Break-Off Handle Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting light sources on roofing structures, particularly LED strips, face issues with adhesive bonding that can weaken over time and lack a secure, tool-free, and aesthetically pleasing fastening solution.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a fastening element with a handle that secures a strip-like light source in a recess of a structural element, allowing for tool-free installation and easy detachment by manually manipulating a predetermined breaking point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonding is used to mount LED strips on structural elements, then the installation process is simple and initial attachment is easy, but the bonding strength weakens over time and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into a fastening element with handle, a structural element with recess, and a mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be applied only to specific mounting surfaces rather than the entire LED strip, concentrating the bonding effort where needed while maintaining overall reliability through the mechanical fastening structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element with handle acts as an intermediary between the structural element and the LED strip. It provides a mechanical connection that supplements the adhesive bonding, ensuring that the LED strip remains securely mounted over time without relying solely on the adhesive's bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical fastening elements are used to secure LED strips, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element with handle is designed to be self-installing. The handle provides leverage for the installer to manually snap the fastening element into the recess of the structural element without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures. This self-service design maintains mounting reliability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element with handle is designed as a simple, inexpensive plastic component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its simple geometry and single-function design reduce manufacturing complexity while providing reliable mounting. The handle breaks off after use, indicating the fastening element has served its purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Shape

If adhesive mounting is used for LED strips, then the appearance is clean and aesthetic, but the mounting can be damaged during insertion and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmounting durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The LED strip is pre-mounted to a mounting bracket using adhesive in a controlled manufacturing environment where the adhesive can properly cure. This preliminary action protects the adhesive bond from damage during subsequent handling and installation, as the LED strip is already secured to the rigid bracket structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary between the adhesive bond and the structural element. The adhesive is applied between the LED strip and the bracket rather than directly to the structural element, protecting the adhesive from mechanical stress and environmental factors while maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If permanent adhesive bonding is used, then the LED strips are securely fixed, but the ability to remove or replace the LED strips is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into removable components: the fastening element with handle can be pried off the structural element, and the LED strip can be removed from the mounting bracket. This segmentation maintains secure fixing during use while enabling easy removal and replacement when needed, addressing both reliability and ease of repair requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The fastening element with handle provides a mechanical connection that is secure during normal use but can be easily disengaged by prying the handle off the structural element recess, allowing the LED strip to be removed or replaced without damaging the structural element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3505700B1Method for mounting a light on a structural element of a cover device, means for attaching a strip-like component and cover device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 KNEER INGO
  • EP3505700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3505700B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3505700B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for mounting a light source on a structural element of a roofing device, comprising the following steps: inserting the light source into a recess provided in the structural element for receiving the light source; inserting a fastening element having a handle into the recess; securing the light source with the fastening element in the recess by manually manipulating the handle; and separating the handle from the fastening element by manually manipulating the handle. The present invention further relates to a fastening element for attaching a strip-like component, in particular a strip-like light source, using such a method, and to a roofing device manufactured therein.