Elastic Collector Seal for Panel Junction Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel assembly methods for structures like roofs or shade structures face challenges in preventing water flow between panels, such as thermal expansion issues, inefficiency in photovoltaic systems due to shading, and dangerous installation methods using sealing strips.
Innovation Solution
A split hollow tube collector seal with a longitudinal slot is used to cover the junction area from below, allowing easy assembly by elastic deformation and natural engagement with load-bearing surfaces, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are placed side-by-side in airtight contact to prevent water flow, then water sealing is improved, but thermal expansion constraints make the solution technically difficult and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing function into separate components: the panel edges and a distinct anti-drip device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - panels maintain their structural integrity while the anti-drip device handles the sealing function, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-drip device acts as an intermediary element between adjacent panels. Instead of requiring direct airtight contact between panels (which creates thermal expansion issues), the anti-drip device mediates the junction, providing reliable water sealing while accommodating panel movement and expansion.
2Reliability
If panels are vertically overlapped like tiles to direct water runoff, then water sealing is improved, but photovoltaic panel efficiency is reduced due to shading
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical overlapping arrangement (one dimension) to a horizontal anti-drip device positioned at the panel junction (another dimension). This dimensional change allows water sealing to be achieved without vertical overlap, eliminating shading of photovoltaic panels while maintaining effective water runoff prevention.
3Reliability
If sealing strips are applied from above to cover panel joints, then water sealing is improved, but installation becomes dangerous and complex requiring installers to stand on panel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the installation approach: instead of applying sealing strips from above (requiring installers to stand on panels), the anti-drip device is installed from below the panel assembly. This inversion eliminates the safety hazards and complexity of working from above while achieving reliable water sealing at the panel junctions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If narrow sealing strips are used for photovoltaic panels to avoid impacting energy efficiency, then photovoltaic efficiency is maintained, but sealing effectiveness is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the sealing function from a narrow horizontal strip at the panel surface to a three-dimensional anti-drip device positioned at the panel junction below. This dimensional relocation allows effective water sealing without requiring narrow strips that would compromise photovoltaic efficiency, as the anti-drip device operates in a different spatial zone.
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 collector seal effectively collects water at panel junctions, is easy to install without risk of panel damage, and maintains effectiveness despite thermal expansion, while avoiding shading and complex installation methods.
Implementation Method 1
the tube being capable, from a rest position in which the slot has a minimum rest width, of being elastically deformed to widen the slot by spreading the mounting edges apart
Implementation Method 2
the mounting edges being permanently pulled back towards each other so as to remain naturally hooked onto the bearing surfaces which carry the mounting edges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a panelled structure comprising two panels (20A, 20B) that are joined to a support with a junction region (21) between edges of the panels and between supporting surfaces (23A, 23B) located thereunder, and an anti-drip device comprising a manifold gasket (30) having a hollow slotted tube with a manifold bottom wall (32) and a longitudinal slit (34) defining mounting edges (32A, 32B). From a rest position in which the slit (34) has a minimum rest width, the tube is capable of being elastically deformed in order to widen the slit by spreading the mounting edges to insert the supporting surfaces (23A, 23B) into the tube, the mounting edges (32A, 32B) being continuously biased towards one another and remaining inherently rigidly attached to the supporting surfaces (23A, 23B) while the manifold bottom wall (32) covers the junction region (21) thereunder.