Conductive Shingle Clip Assembly for Easy-Install Solar Roofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an easy-to-install shingle system that integrates a transducer and hardware to transfer converted energy, compatible with traditional roofing shingles, requiring no specialized knowledge or additional training for roofing professionals.
Innovation Solution
A shingle clip system featuring a cube-shaped clip with C-shaped apertures to secure roofing shingles, which includes a semiconductive layer acting as a transducer, and a drip edge with conductive and insulative portions to facilitate energy transfer and installation, allowing for seamless integration with existing roofing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar panels are installed on roofs, then electricity generation capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring specialized training and electrical system expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar energy harvesting function with the traditional roofing shingle structure into a single integrated unit. The solar cells are incorporated directly into the shingle layers, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations and reducing installation complexity while maintaining electricity generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing shingle system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traditional roof protection and weatherproofing while also generating electricity. The same shingle structure serves both as building material and energy harvesting device, reducing the need for specialized installation procedures
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar panels are installed on roofs, then electricity generation capability is improved, but installation cost increases due to requiring additional training and specialized expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar energy harvesting function with the traditional roofing shingle structure into a single integrated unit. The solar cells are incorporated directly into the shingle layers, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations and reducing installation complexity while maintaining electricity generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shingle system is designed to be installed using standard roofing techniques and tools that roofers already possess. The system serves itself by requiring no additional specialized equipment or training, allowing traditional roofers to install energy-generating shingles using their existing skill set
3Ease of operation
If solar systems are integrated into roofing shingles, then ease of installation is improved by using existing roofing infrastructure, but device complexity increases due to integrating transducer and energy transfer hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the solar cells and conductive elements within the layered structure of the shingles themselves. The energy transfer hardware is nested within the shingle construction, allowing the system to maintain a conventional shingle appearance while integrating complex functionality internally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-film solar cells and flexible conductive layers that can be integrated into the shingle structure without adding significant bulk or rigidity. These thin-film elements conform to the shingle geometry, maintaining ease of installation while enabling energy harvesting functionality
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
The system enables straightforward installation of energy-harvesting shingles without additional expertise, ensuring efficient energy transfer and reducing installation costs by utilizing existing roofing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a shingle having a transducer in the form of a semiconductive layer
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.