A roof attachment console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting solar panels and other equipment on roofs are unstable, risk damage to the roof, and are complicated, posing safety and efficiency concerns, especially on roof tiles where weight-dependent fixation is insufficient and weather conditions exacerbate the challenges.
Innovation Solution
A roof attachment console with a bottom plate and rail receiving plate that includes a track and fixation member, allowing for secure attachment of a mounting rail without additional tools, providing stability and ease of installation by engaging the fixation member with the track, and accommodating different rail sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If brackets are attached to the roof below roof tiles and extend between roof tiles, then solar panels can be mounted, but the risk of damage to existing roof tiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base plate that interfaces with the roof structure, vertical support elements, and a rail mounting component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the base plate distributing loads to avoid tile damage while the rail provides secure panel attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mounting structure (the console assembly with base plate and supports) that mediates between the roof tiles and the solar panel rail. This intermediary distributes mechanical stresses to the roof structure rather than concentrating them on individual tiles, thereby preventing tile damage while enabling secure panel mounting.
2Reliability
If roof waterproofing is punctured for mounting, then solar panels can be secured, but the risk of leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the waterproofing function from the structural attachment function. The base plate interfaces with the roof structure above or between tiles without penetrating the waterproofing layer, while separate fastening mechanisms secure the rail to the base plate, eliminating the need to puncture waterproofing membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate and support structure serve as an intermediary that transfers mounting loads to the roof structure without requiring penetration of the waterproofing layer. This intermediary approach maintains the integrity of the waterproofing system while providing stable panel attachment.
3Reliability
If conventional screw-based attachment is used for mounting rail to roof bracket, then secure fixation is achieved, but the effort and time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The rail fits into the console assembly with automatic positioning features, and the fixation members engage with the track system through simple insertion or snap-fit actions rather than requiring multiple screw fastenings, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional multi-screw mechanical fastening system with a simplified fixation mechanism that uses track engagement and snap-fit or friction-based retention. This substitution maintains the reliability of secure fixation while dramatically reducing the number of fastening operations required during installation.
4Reliability
If mounting solutions are designed for stability against weather conditions, then solar panels remain secure, but the complexity of the attachment configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The console assembly is designed as a universal mounting structure that handles multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling rail attachment, ensuring weather resistance, and facilitating easy installation. This multi-functionality is achieved through an integrated design where the base plate, supports, and fixation mechanisms work together as a unified system rather than separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the base plate, support elements, and fixation mechanisms into an integrated console assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall attachment configuration while maintaining all necessary functions for stable, weather-resistant solar panel mounting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an attachment console (1) for the attachment of a mounting rail (4), which may be used to mount a device, e.g. solar panel onto a roof. The roof attachment console (1) may provide a more stable and safe arrangement for the mounting of solar panels and other devices onto roof. The roof attachment console (1) comprises a rail receiving plate (3) onto which the mounting rail (4) may be fixed by a fixation member (5). In one embodiment the mounting rail (4) may be fixed to the rail receiving plate (3) by force from the fixation member (5) being attached to the rail receiving plate (3) at two points..