Wind Suction Module with Pivotable Bracket and Segmented Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind suction protection modules for roofs and facades are inadequate in extreme wind conditions, leading to potential detachment and destruction due to insufficient clamping force and air gaps, especially with angled first legs and varying roofing element thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support element on the second bracket part, forming a nose-shaped elevation away from the first bracket part, and using multiple edges on the holding leg parallel to the displacement axis for secure engagement, along with a pivotable mount and attachment elements for tool assistance, to enhance force distribution and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single edge on the holding leg is used for engagement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability under wind suction loads decreases due to insufficient clamping force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidnumber of edges
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding leg is divided into multiple edges (first edge, second edge, third edge) instead of using a single engagement point. This segmentation allows the holding leg to engage with the support element at multiple locations, distributing the wind suction loads across several contact points and significantly increasing the overall clamping force and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the first leg is positioned close to the displacement axis for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reaching under the support element

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidspatial arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first leg is spatially separated from the displacement axis and positioned closer to the engagement point with the support element. This extraction of the first leg from the central displacement axis allows installers to easily reach under the support element and perform the engagement operation, while the holder body remains compact around the displacement axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the holder is firmly connected to the covering element, then the reliability under wind loads increases, but the ease of repair decreases due to difficulty in removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring forceVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the holder and the covering element is designed to be dynamically adjustable. During installation, the holder can be firmly secured to ensure reliable wind load resistance. However, the connection allows for controlled release when repair or replacement is needed, enabling removal and reinstallation without permanent damage to the covering element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the air gap between the first leg and support element is increased for easier element replacement, then the ease of repair improves, but the reliability under extreme wind conditions deteriorates due to insufficient clamping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidelement replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on a large air gap for element replacement, the solution introduces multiple edges on the holding leg that engage with the support element at different locations. This multi-dimensional engagement provides sufficient clamping force to prevent lifting under extreme wind conditions, while still allowing for controlled release and element replacement when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2960393B1Wind suction securing module for covering elements
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 GRUSS CHRISTOPH
  • EP2960393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2960393B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2960393B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a wind uplift protection module for roofing elements on a roof or facade structure. The wind uplift protection module comprises an engagement element (1) with a first leg (2) for engaging under a supporting element of the roof or facade structure and a bracket (3) for holding the engagement element (1). The bracket (3) includes connecting means for connecting the bracket (3) to a roofing element. The engagement element (1) is displaceable in the bracket (3) along a displacement axis extending substantially parallel to a roof slope direction and is pivotable about a pivot axis. The first leg (2) is spaced apart from the displacement axis. The engagement element (1) is U-shaped with a first U-shaped part (4) and a second U-shaped part (5), both U-shaped parts (4, 7) being connected to each other at a vertex (6) of the U-shaped part.The first leg (2) is formed to engage at one end of the first bracket part (4), and the second bracket part (5) lies at least partially on the displacement axis. In such a wind suction protection module, a support element (7) is formed on the second bracket part (5) in the area of ​​the apex (6) on the side facing away from the first bracket part (4), which lies in a plane formed by the first bracket part (4) and the second bracket part (5).