Computer-implemented method for creating a load balancing plan

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching solar panels or photovoltaic modules to roofs often result in insufficient utilization of load capacity and excessive material usage due to fixed positioning of roof hooks above rafters, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that allows for the flexible positioning of roof hooks along retaining rails, enabling them to be placed away from rafters while maintaining load limits, and displaying real-time load calculations to optimize material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If roof hooks are positioned directly above the rafters, then the positioning is simple and fixed, but the load-bearing capacity is insufficiently utilized and excessive material is used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning simplicityVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning of roof hooks along the retaining rails, allowing hooks to be moved to optimal positions rather than being fixed above rafters. This dynamic adjustment enables load distribution optimization, reducing material consumption while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positional parameters of roof hooks from fixed locations above rafters to variable positions along the retaining rails. By adjusting the position parameter, the system optimizes load distribution and reduces material consumption without compromising ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If roof hooks are moved away from the rafters, then material usage is reduced, but the load on individual hooks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidload capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load distribution by positioning multiple roof hooks at optimized intervals along the retaining rails. This segmentation allows each hook to carry an appropriate load while collectively supporting the solar panel system, reducing overall material consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs software that calculates and displays load values in real-time based on hook positions. This feedback mechanism allows users to adjust hook positions to optimize material usage while ensuring load limits are not exceeded, balancing material reduction with structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of substance

If multiple roof hooks are moved individually, then precise load optimization is achieved, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidoptimization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows multiple roof hooks to be selected and moved simultaneously through the software interface. This merging of operations enables users to optimize the positions of multiple hooks in a single action, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining precise load optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The software automatically calculates optimal positions and load distributions, reducing the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments. This self-service capability accelerates the optimization process while achieving precise material reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of substance

If real-time load calculation is implemented, then material optimization is improved, but computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual load calculation and optimization processes with a software-based computational system. This substitution automates real-time load calculations, enabling precise material optimization without requiring users to perform complex manual computations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The software creates a digital model of the roof structure and load distribution, allowing virtual testing and optimization of hook positions before physical installation. This copying approach simplifies the computational process by working with simplified digital representations rather than complex physical calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4296878A1Computer-implemented method for creating a load balancing plan

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SL RACK GMBH

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Computer-implemented method for creating a load distribution plan for attaching at least one solar panel (16) and/or one photovoltaic module to a real roof, in which a model with a roof, preferably roof rafters (10), retaining rails (12) and roof hooks (14) is created, and at least one roof hook (14) is moved manually to set a desired load (W1') to save material, wherein the load on the roof hook (14) and/or the retaining rail (12) is calculated and/or displayed in real time as a function of the position of the roof hook (14).