Conductive Shingle Clip Assembly for Easy Solar Roof Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roofing systems require additional expertise and cost when integrating solar panels, as they need specialized knowledge and installation procedures, making it difficult for consumers to easily generate electricity and reduce energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A shingle clip system with a cube-shaped design and C-shaped apertures that accommodates roofing shingles, incorporating a semiconductive layer for energy conversion, and a drip edge with conductive and insulative portions for easy installation and energy transfer, allowing for the integration of solar energy harvesting into existing roofing systems without specialized knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar panels are integrated into roofing systems, then energy generation capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring specialized expertise in both roofing and electrical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the roofing shingle and solar energy harvesting components into a single integrated unit. The shingle incorporates a semiconductive layer that converts environmental energy (sunlight, heat, rain, wind) into electrical energy, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations and reducing installation complexity while maintaining energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shingle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traditional roofing protection while also functioning as an energy harvesting device. The semiconductive layer enables the shingle to generate electrical energy from various environmental sources, making the roofing system universally applicable for both protection and power generation purposes
2Productivity
If specialized solar panel installation procedures are used, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to requiring specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The shingle system is designed to be self-sufficient, with the semiconductive layer integrated directly into the shingle structure. This eliminates the need for separate wiring and electrical system installations, allowing standard roofing professionals to install the system without requiring specialized electrical knowledge while still achieving effective energy generation
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate solar panel systems are installed on roofs, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and installation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar energy harvesting function with the roofing shingle itself. The semiconductive layer is embedded within the shingle structure, converting the shingle from a passive protective element into an active energy-generating component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing energy harvesting capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy installation of solar energy harvesting systems on traditional roofs, reducing installation complexity and costs by using a shingle clip system that integrates with pre-existing shingles and roofing structures, facilitating energy generation and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
conductive shingle clips situated so as to transfer energy converted from a transducer or semiconductor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes roof shingle systems. One roof shingle system includes at least two shingles, a shingle clip, a drip edge, and a power collection unit. Each shingle has a semiconductive layer configured to deliver power, electrical current/voltage, and/or control signals to the power collection unit. The shingle clip continues a conductive path between the two shingles. The drip edge is at least partially insulated and partially conductive, and the conductive portion continues the path from the shingle semiconductive layer to the power unit where energy is collected. One method of installing a shingle system includes the steps of positioning a shingle having a transducer in the form of a semiconductive layer, and positioning a shingle clip to engage the semiconductive layer of the shingle.