Adjustable Roof Hook Assembly for Easier Solar Module Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof hooks for mounting solar system modules on roofs face challenges with awkward assembly due to hard-to-reach fasteners and limited adjustment options for different roof tiles and solar system modules, leading to complex installations.

Innovation Solution

A modular roof hook design featuring force-fitting connections between components, with easily accessible adjusting elements and obliquely positioned fasteners, allowing for perpendicular adjustment and simplified installation, and incorporating reinforcing ribs for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional integral or welded roof hooks are used, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly becomes awkward due to hard-to-reach fasteners and lacks adjustment options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidadjustment options
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roof hook is divided into multiple modular components: a first component with a first fastening section for roof attachment, a second component with a second fastening section and holder for solar module attachment, and a connecting element joining them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables adjustment through relative positioning of modules, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If fasteners are positioned for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but accessibility deteriorates making assembly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfastener accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element joins the first and second components at an oblique angle rather than perpendicular to the roof surface. This dimensional change in fastener orientation provides easier accessibility for assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the angled connection geometry that distributes loads effectively.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular design with multiple components is used, then adjustment options increase, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment optionsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the roof hook uses multiple components for adjustability, each component is designed as a self-contained module with integrated functions. The first component combines roof interface and positioning features, the second component integrates the holder and second fastening section, and the connecting element provides both structural connection and adjustment capability. This merging of functions within modules reduces overall system complexity despite the multi-component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2434229B9Roof hook for fitting solar modules on roofs
Publication Date: 2013.09.04 KIESELBACH SOLAR
  • EP2434229B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2434229B9 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a roof hook (1) for mounting solar modules on roofs, comprising: - a first fastening section (2) extending in the X and Y directions for fixing a roof hook (1) to the roof, - a hook-shaped bracket (4) for fixing a solar module or a mounting profile for solar modules, and - a second fastening section (3) extending substantially perpendicular to the first fastening section (2) in the Z direction, wherein the bracket (4) on the second fastening section (3) is adjustable in the Z direction, and wherein fastening means (5) acting obliquely to the Z direction are provided for fixing the bracket (4) to the fastening section (3).