Anti-Rotation Hook Mounting for Secure PV Roof Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for photovoltaic panels and arrays face challenges in securely and safely attaching to varying surfaces while minimizing environmental exposure and allowing for quick installation and reconfiguration, often requiring complex hardware that can rotate or shift, leading to uneven installations and damage to roofing materials.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a hook arm and hook plate, featuring an anti-rotation system that restricts rotation, allowing for secure attachment to surfaces using a fastener, and includes textured features and arched indents for enhanced strength and stability, enabling versatile and adjustable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener such as a lag bolt is screwed into the tile to mount the module, then the mounting security is improved, but the tile may break and the structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device uses an intermediary approach by attaching to the ice and water shield layer rather than directly penetrating the tile. The device includes a mounting plate that secures to the underlying structure through the ice and water shield, avoiding direct fastening into the ceramic tile itself, thus preventing tile breakage while maintaining secure mounting
2Reliability
If the tile is removed entirely to allow the mounting device to be mounted to the underlying substructure, then the mounting security is improved, but the structure is exposed to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary portion of the roofing system (the ice and water shield layer) to allow mounting device attachment, while leaving the protective tile layer intact. This selective extraction enables secure mounting to the underlying substructure without removing or damaging the protective outer layer, thus preventing environmental exposure
3Reliability
If a mounting device is installed that occupies the tile space, then mounting security is improved, but replacement of the roofing tile is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device serves as an intermediary solution by attaching to the ice and water shield layer rather than requiring tile removal. This allows the tile to remain in place and potentially be replaced if needed, while still achieving secure mounting of the photovoltaic module through the underlying substructure
4Reliability
If complex hardware is used to mount panels securely, then mounting reliability is improved, but installation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the mounting plate, anti-rotation mechanism, and fastening components are combined into one device that attaches to the ice and water shield while securing the photovoltaic module, reducing the number of separate hardware components needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements such as the anti-rotation system that allows for adjustable positioning during installation, enabling installers to accommodate varying roof conditions and tile layouts without requiring multiple different hardware configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device may include a hook arm including a first vertical portion, a center portion coupled to the first vertical portion at a first end of the center portion, and a second vertical portion coupled to the center portion at a second end of the center portion. The mounting device may also include a hook plate coupled to the hook arm at the second vertical portion via a fastener. The hook plate may include a third vertical portion and a base portion to couple the hook plate to a surface. The mounting device may further include an anti-rotation system to restrict rotation of the hook plate relative to the hook arm.