Walkable Safety Device for Unstable Glazed Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety devices for unstable surfaces, such as glazed surfaces on roofs, fail to prevent breakage and do not effectively prevent falls, while posing environmental and installation challenges, and are not easily recyclable.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising metallic longitudinal and crossmembers with self-threading screws, allowing easy installation and adaptation to various surfaces, providing both fall prevention and surface protection, and is entirely recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety nets or grilles are used, then fall prevention function is provided, but the transparent surface cannot be protected from breakage and the device receives impulsive mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by detecting the approach of a person or object using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or capacitive) and activating the warning system before contact occurs. This prevents the need for the safety net to withstand impulsive loads, as the warning prevents the hazardous situation from developing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical safety net system with an electro-mechanical system that uses sensors, control circuits, and warning devices (acoustic and/or optical). This substitution eliminates the need for the safety structure to承受 impulsive mechanical stresses while maintaining fall prevention functionality
2Reliability
If conventional safety nets or grilles are installed by perforating the structure, then anti-fall function is achieved, but waterproofing of the opening is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (wireless communication modules, remote warning devices) that transmits alerts to persons approaching the opening, preventing them from reaching a dangerous position. This eliminates the need for physical penetration of the roof structure, thereby preserving waterproofing integrity while achieving anti-fall protection
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-material components are used in conventional safety devices, then functional requirements are met, but environmental impact increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using components made from the same or similar materials (e.g., aluminum profiles, glass panels, plastic components) throughout the device. This uniform material composition simplifies recycling processes significantly, as all components can be processed together without complex separation requirements, while still meeting diverse functional needs through different design configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety device (1) for unstable surfaces and the like of the type present on roofs (B) and other parts of the covering structure of any building at openings designed for the entry of natural light and/or ventilation. The device (1) comprises: at least one pair of metallic longitudinal members (2) which can be stably fixed along mutually opposite perimeter walls of a respective opening, said longitudinal members (2) having a plurality of transverse holes (3) at respective portions that face toward and are proximate to said respective opening; a plurality of metallic crossmembers (4), each one provided with respective longitudinal channels (5) at least at its ends (4a, 4b); fixing screws (6) with shape and dimensions complementary to those of the channels (5) of the crossmembers (4), wherein each crossmember (4) is configured for mounting between the longitudinal members (2) at aligned pairs of the holes (3). Two mutually opposite screws (6) pass through a corresponding hole (3) of a specific member (2) and are screwed into a respective channel (5) of the crossmember (4), to define a walkable protection structure for the unstable surface.