Spring-Tempered Hangers for Stress-Free Slate Roof Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slate roofing is prone to damage due to stress caused by nails used for attachment, which can lead to cracking or falling of slates due to thermal and humidity changes in the roof deck, and existing solutions like Z hangers are cumbersome and require tools for installation.
Innovation Solution
A slate roof installation system using spring-tempered hangers that are easily installable in bulk from the top down, eliminating the need for nails and allowing for tool-free repairs, with a design that includes battens, self-adhering membranes, and metal flashings for enhanced durability and wind uplift protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nails are used to attach slate to the roof deck, then the slate can be securely fastened, but the slate is subjected to stress that can cause cracking or falling due to thermal and humidity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hangers as an intermediary component between the slate and the roof deck. These hangers are attached to the deck with fasteners and provide a hanging mechanism for the slate, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating direct nail-to-slate contact that causes stress and cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate functional components: fasteners attach the hanger to the roof deck, while the hanger itself provides the suspension mechanism for the slate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without transmitting harmful stresses to the slate.
2Reliability
If individual Z hangers are used to avoid nail damage, then slate integrity is preserved, but installation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hangers are merged into a single pre-assembled unit that can be installed as one component. This combines the functionality of multiple individual hangers while enabling bulk installation, thereby maintaining slate integrity through the hanger design while dramatically improving installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hangers are pre-assembled and prepared before installation on the roof. This preliminary action allows multiple hangers to be configured and ready for bulk installation, eliminating the need to individually assemble and attach each hanger separately during the roofing process.
3Reliability
If traditional hanger designs are used, then slate can be supported, but repairs require tools and are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger design incorporates dynamic elements that allow for easy adjustment and removal. The fastening mechanism can be quickly released and repositioned without specialized tools, enabling simple field adjustments and repairs while maintaining reliable slate support during normal operation.
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 system provides a durable, stress-free installation method for slate roofs, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for easy repairs, while ensuring superior wind uplift protection and a longer service life without the need for nail-induced stress.
Implementation Method 1
The metal used in the hangers can also be more durable since the present hangers do not need to be formed into a Z pattern. The hangers of the present invention are also spring tempered which helps them spring against the roof deck. This also permits the hangers to provide superior wind uplift protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof having slate attached by battens and hangers. The hangers have a short member and a tong member. The long member has a hook on one end and the remaining end is adjacent to a first outward extending arm. The first outward extending arm is adjacent to a central connecting member. The central connecting member is adjacent a second outward extending arm. The second outward extending arm is adjacent to the short member. The first and second outward extending arms are removeably secured to the battens. The slate roof is installed by positioning and attaching the battens to a roof deck. The hangers are then secured to the battens by squeezing the short member and long member together and inserting the first and second outward extending arms into the adjacent hanger holders on the batten.