Segmented Eave Blocks for Building Roof Trim

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing eaves on buildings are either prone to warping, require time-consuming and invasive rafter penetration through siding, or lack structural support, leading to misalignment and incomplete interior walls.

Innovation Solution

A method involving coupling eave blocks with trim pieces and a roof piece to create a structurally reinforced eave, which can be assembled with a kit including frame and siding members, allowing for improved support and aesthetic appeal without cutting siding irregularly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If eaves are constructed of a single piece attached to the roof edge, then construction is economical and simple, but the eave is prone to warping which causes misalignment and exposes the building interior to the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoideave structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The eave is divided into multiple discrete blocks rather than being a single continuous piece. Each block is independently manufactured and then assembled together to form the complete eave structure, which prevents warping while maintaining ease of construction through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If rafters penetrate through the sides of the building to frame an eave, then structural support is provided, but the process is time-consuming and requires irregular cutting of siding elements which compromises the seal between building pieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeave structural supportVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The eave structure is segmented into separate blocks that can be pre-assembled with trim pieces and attached to the building facade without requiring penetration through existing siding. This eliminates the need for time-consuming irregular cutting while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eave blocks and trim pieces are pre-assembled into a complete eave structure before installation on the building. This preliminary assembly allows for precise fitting and sealing without requiring on-site cutting or penetration of building components, significantly reducing construction time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If siding components are cut shorter to allow rafters to pass over them, then rafter installation is simplified, but the interior wall becomes incomplete with voids extending away from the interior between the rafters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverafter installation easeVSAvoidinterior wall completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The eave is constructed from separate blocks that can be positioned and secured without requiring modification of the siding or creation of voids in the interior wall. The segmented design allows the eave to be attached to the existing complete siding and wall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eave blocks are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that allow them to be securely mounted to the building facade without requiring pre-cutting of siding or creation of structural voids. This preliminary preparation ensures complete interior walls while simplifying installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If a thin sheet is attached to the underside of the eave to prevent warping, then some warping resistance is achieved, but significant additional structural support is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeave warping resistanceVSAvoideave structural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a thin continuous sheet, the eave employs multiple discrete blocks with integrated trim pieces that provide both warping resistance and significant structural support. The segmented structure naturally resists warping while the block configuration provides robust support capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eave structure combines multiple materials and components including blocks, trim pieces, and attachment elements to create a composite structure that provides both warping resistance and significant structural support. This multi-material approach exceeds the performance of a single thin sheet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS7694488B2Eave for a building
Publication Date: 2010.04.13 TUFF SHED
  • US7694488B2 patent drawing
  • US7694488B2 patent drawing
  • US7694488B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include a step of coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a side of the structure. The method may additionally include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks.