Adjustable Roofing Support Modules for Variable Crossbeam Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roofing systems are unsuitable for integrating photovoltaic modules due to their design, which does not allow for easy adaptation to varying post and crossbeam positions, necessitating custom manufacturing and making maintenance and replacement of individual elements difficult.

Innovation Solution

A roofing system with support modules that can be inclined and fastened to crossbeams using a fastening element allowing rotation and adjustment to different post positions, utilizing hollow profiles and undercut grooves for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional roofing systems use standard aluminum profiles or wood for support modules, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot be easily adapted to different post positions or crossbeam positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to different post positionsVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support module incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic repositioning along the crossbeam. The support module can be moved to different positions and fixed at multiple locations, enabling adaptation to varying post positions without requiring custom manufacturing for each site condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If photovoltaic modules are integrated into conventional roofing systems with touching edges, then the structure is compact, but rainwater penetration occurs and sealing requires walking on the modules during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRainwater sealingVSAvoidInstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roofing system divides the coverage area into overlapping zones. Photovoltaic modules are arranged with overlapping edges rather than touching edges, creating a shingled pattern that naturally prevents rainwater penetration while eliminating the need for sealing operations during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If support modules are firmly connected to crossbeams to support heavy photovoltaic modules, then the structural strength is sufficient, but individual replacement of support modules requires dismantling the entire system

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSupport strength for photovoltaic modulesVSAvoidReplaceability of individual support modules
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between support modules and crossbeams uses a reversible adjustable mechanism. Support modules can be firmly fixed to provide adequate structural strength, but can also be easily released and repositioned or replaced individually without dismantling the entire roofing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If custom-made roofing systems are manufactured for each customer with exact position measurements, then the system fits the specific site conditions perfectly, but the manufacturing process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePosition precisionVSAvoidManufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The roofing system uses standardized support modules with adjustable positioning capabilities. A single universal support module design can accommodate various site conditions through its adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for custom-made components for each installation while maintaining precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3722529B1Roofing system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 HOFFMANN WALTER
  • EP3722529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3722529B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3722529B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a roofing system for terraces, balconies or parking lots with a first support element and a second support element, each having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width and the thickness, wherein the first and second support elements are aligned perpendicular to each other and are detachably fastened together by means of a fastening element.In order to provide a roofing system which, when using inclined support modules, allows easy adaptation of the roofing system to different post positions or different positions of crossbeams, it is proposed according to the invention that the fastening element is designed such that it enables the first support element to be fastened to the second support element in a first and a second position, wherein the second position differs from the first position in that the first support element is rotated relative to the second support element by an angle α about an axis of rotation which is aligned parallel to the crossbeam and perpendicular to the first support element.