Rotatable Barrier Edge Body for Roof Ballast Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier devices for roofs with ballast materials like gravel or earth are not practical for diverse applications, as they lack flexibility in height adjustment and stability during strong winds or water immersion.
Innovation Solution
A barrier device with a rotatable edge body that can nest and stack, featuring a flanged edge for adhesion and bridges for drainage and stability, made from injection-molded plastic with aerodynamic openings to prevent pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier device uses a fixed height design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to diverse situations requiring different barrier heights
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is divided into multiple individual barrier elements that can be stacked vertically. Each element has a standardized structure with nesting surfaces, allowing them to be segmented yet combined in varying heights to adapt to different barrier requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual barrier elements are designed with nesting surfaces that allow them to be stored nested within each other when not in use. This nesting capability reduces storage space requirements and simplifies transport while maintaining the ability to assemble multiple elements into taller configurations when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier device uses a single fixed configuration, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide both compact storage and variable height barriers
Solution Approach 1:
Each barrier element is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it provides barrier protection at its individual height, can be stacked with other identical elements to create taller barriers, and can be nested within other elements for compact storage. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized nesting surfaces and symmetrical design features.
3Strength
If the hollow chamber is completely enclosed, then structural strength is improved, but pressure differences from wind or water cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow chamber of the barrier element is designed with openings or perforations that allow internal pressure to equalize with external pressure when subjected to wind or water forces. This prevents the formation of pressure differences that would otherwise create unstable lifting forces, while the chamber maintains its structural strength through the carefully designed opening configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the barrier device uses traditional fixed stacking, then assembly is simple, but storage space efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier elements incorporate nested nesting surfaces that allow individual elements to be inserted into and stored within other elements. This creates a compact nested configuration for storage and transport, significantly reducing the volume required compared to traditional fixed stacking, while maintaining simple assembly through the standardized nesting interface.
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 device provides a flexible, efficient, and universally applicable solution for maintaining clear spaces around roof openings, effectively holding back ballast materials and withstanding wind and water pressure, while allowing for adjustable height and stable stacking.
Implementation Method 1
the roof of the hollow chamber comprises at least one opening through which the hollow chamber is in open communication with an area surrounding the edge body. Because of this opening, floating and an associated upward pressing action on the device is counteracted in the case of a high surrounding water level. The opening also suppresses an aerodynamic pressure difference between the chamber and the surrounding area and the consequent upward lift effect during storm and strong wind.
Implementation Method 2
the edge body comprises on a base at least one bridge which maintains, when received on said surface, a distance from the surface
Implementation Method 3
The openings allow an adhesive agent, such as a sealant or glue, applied for adhesion of the device to protrude therethrough as indication that (sufficient) adhesive agent has been applied. The edge body can thus be fixed in various ways via the flanged edge.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A barrier device comprises an at least partially hollow edge body (10) which extends round a central inner space (20) and leaves this inner space clear. The edge body (10) is intended and configured to be received on a surface and comprises internally at least one at least partially hollow chamber. In a first orientation the edge body is nestable in the at least one hollow chamber of a corresponding further barrier device. In a second orientation the edge body is stackable with the edge body of a corresponding further barrier device up to a combined height which is greater than an individual height of the edge body.