Covering device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mounting solar panels or photovoltaic modules on pitched roofs are labor-intensive and prone to leaks, with existing covering devices being unstable, allowing dirt and water penetration, and not effectively managing snow loads.
Innovation Solution
A covering device featuring a metal plate with a recess for a roof hook, surrounded by a rubber sleeve, and corrugations for stability, which can be adapted to fit roof tiles and prevent water ingress, using a deformable metal plate that can be easily shaped to match the roof contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple flat metal plate is used as covering device, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the device is unstable and allows water/dirt penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies corrugations to the metal plate surface, creating a flexible yet stable structure. The corrugated pattern provides structural rigidity and stability while maintaining the simplicity of a single-metal-plate construction, preventing water and dirt penetration without complex multi-component assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugations introduce curved surfaces to the otherwise flat metal plate. These curved ridges and valleys provide structural strength, stability, and effective water shedding capabilities, transforming a simple flat plate into a reliable covering device that resists deformation and prevents water ingress
2Ease of operation
If roof tiles are mechanically processed to accommodate roof hooks, then fastening is achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and can lead to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is pre-formed with integrated features (corrugations for stability, recess for hook placement, overlapping edges for sealing) before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for labor-intensive on-site tile modification, allowing quick installation by simply positioning the pre-fabricated covering device over the roof hook
Solution Approach 2:
The covering device serves as an intermediary element between the roof hook and the external environment. It provides a pre-fabricated interface that combines fastening functionality (via the recess for the hook) with protective functionality (via corrugations and overlapping edges), eliminating the need to directly modify roof tiles
3Weight of moving object
If thin metal plate is used for light weight and easy handling, then handling is easier, but structural stability under snow load is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin metal plate (0.1-3 mm thickness) that is lightweight and easy to handle, but transforms it into a structurally stable covering device through corrugations. The corrugated pattern distributes mechanical loads (such as snow loads) across the ridges and valleys, providing exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and structural stability without increasing material thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugations add a third dimension to the thin metal plate, creating ridges and valleys that provide structural strength. This dimensional transformation allows the thin plate to resist bending and deformation under snow loads while maintaining its lightweight characteristics, as the strength comes from the geometric pattern rather than material thickness
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 solution provides a cost-effective, stable, and watertight covering system that prevents dirt and water penetration, manages snow loads, and ensures easy handling and installation, while maintaining the structural integrity of the roof.
Implementation Method 1
The recess is surrounded by a rubber sleeve (32), in which the roof hook (22) is arranged. The area in which a roof hook is guided through the recess is sealed by the rubber sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
The metal plate (28) has corrugations (42). The corrugations increase the stability of the metal plate. For example, the metal plate does not sag.
Implementation Method 3
The covering device (10) has a deformable adjustment area (38). The adjustment area (38) can be adapted to the contour of the roof tile (16) adjoining it. For example, the adjustment area (38) can be pressed on by hand.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a covering device for covering a mounting area of a roof for mounting a solar panel or a photovoltaic module, comprising a metal plate with a recess for a roof hook, with a deformable adaptation area and with a covering area, wherein the covering area has ribs, and a rubber sleeve enclosing the recess.