Elastomer Support Element for Solar Frame Thermal Expansion Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar systems on flat roofs face challenges with temperature-related changes in frame length, leading to potential detachment and damage due to stiff building protection mats, which fail to absorb horizontal forces effectively, necessitating additional adhesives that do not prevent system movement.
Innovation Solution
A solar system with an elastomer element featuring a flat upper and lower part connected by inclined connecting webs, allowing for elastic deformation to absorb horizontal forces and compensate for length changes, ensuring secure mounting without additional assembly or production effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard protective mats are used, then the roof is protected from mechanical impacts, but the mats are too rigid to absorb temperature-related length changes, causing stresses and potential damage to the mounting system
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mat is changed from a rigid material to an elastomeric material that can change its physical parameters (deform elastically) to accommodate length changes of the mounting system while maintaining protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The protective mat is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to deform and adapt to length changes of the mounting system while maintaining continuous protective contact with the roof
2Strength
If rigid protective mats are used, then structural protection is provided, but horizontal forces cannot be absorbed effectively, requiring additional adhesives that still do not prevent system movement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mat transitions from a rigid material with fixed parameters to an elastomeric material that can dynamically change its deformation state to absorb horizontal forces while maintaining structural protection
3Reliability
If adhesives are used to secure the mats to the mounting rail, then attachment is improved, but the system can still shift on the roof
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mat changes from a rigid component requiring adhesives for attachment to an elastomeric component that maintains friction-based attachment while providing horizontal force absorption, eliminating the need for additional adhesives and preventing system shift
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 elastomer element effectively absorbs horizontal forces, prevents detachment, and compensates for temperature-related length changes, ensuring the solar system's stability and longevity without increasing assembly or production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting webs can deform elastically from a straight shape to a curved shape under horizontal forces, in order to permanently compensate for temperature-related length differences in the solar array
Implementation Method 2
The coefficient of friction between the roof and the solar panel is of particular importance in this context, as it largely determines the amount of ballast required to keep the installation in place
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~6F
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device (7) for storing a solar power system (1) on a roof (4) of a structure, in particular a building, wherein the solar power system (1) has a frame (3) supporting at least one solar module (2) with at least one mounting rail (5) associated with the roof (4), with at least one elastomer element (6, 20) that can be arranged or is arranged between the mounting rail (5) and the roof (4), and with means for arranging the elastomer element (6, 20) on the mounting rail (5).It is provided that the at least one elastomer element (6, 20) has an upper part (8) which can be assigned to/associated with the mounting rail (5) and which is at least substantially planar, and a lower part (9) which can be assigned to/associated with the roof (4) and which is at least substantially planar, wherein the upper part (8) is aligned parallel to and spaced apart from the lower part (9), and wherein the upper part (8) is integrally connected to the lower part (9) by several connecting webs (16) which, in the unloaded state, extend in a straight line between the upper part (8) and the lower part (9), wherein at least two adjacent connecting webs (16) are arranged inclined at an angle (α) to each other.