System protecting roofs of buildings and vehicles from dangerous effects of snow and ice overloading, comprises multi-chamber, pressure-pulsed inflatable structures able to dislodge accumulations

摘要

Multi-chamber inflatable structures are added to the roof when required, or permanently. Inclination of the outer skin increases on inflation, causing masses of snow to slide off. Chambers are connected through pressure valves. A series of pressure pulses are produced, to dislodge adherent snow masses, and initiate sliding-off. Inflatable components are fixed against wind loading with basal anchors and/or fixed points on the building. The inflatables are designed to distribute loading onto supporting walls or columns, especially of large flat roofs over e.g. supermarkets or factories.