Facade Solar Module Mounting With Gravity-Locked Vertical Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for solar modules on building facades are complex, prone to misalignment, and can lead to water accumulation and corrosion, making them inefficient and costly, especially when using frameless modules for large-area coverage.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring elongate carrier and retaining profiles with complementary contact and engagement structures that utilize gravity for alignment and fixation, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment, with retaining clips and securing elements for secure attachment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horizontally running transverse profiles are used to fix solar modules to facades, then the solar modules can be attached to the facade, but the system becomes larger in depth and requires an additional profile level
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using horizontal transverse profiles that protrude from the facade, the invention inverts the approach by using vertically running retaining profiles that are fixed directly to the facade. The carrier profiles are then inserted into these retaining profiles, eliminating the need for additional horizontal profile levels and reducing the overall system depth while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal dimension approach (horizontal transverse profiles) to a vertical dimension approach (vertical retaining profiles). This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the same attachment function with reduced depth, as the profiles run vertically along the facade rather than horizontally perpendicular to it.
2Reliability
If vertically running transverse profiles are fastened to horizontally running longitudinal profiles on the facade side, then solar modules can be secured, but the system requires an additional profile level increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary horizontal longitudinal profiles from the system. By fixing the vertical retaining profiles directly to the facade, the complex multi-level profile structure is simplified to a single vertical profile system, reducing device complexity while maintaining securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical retaining profiles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable module securing, and eliminate the need for separate horizontal profiling systems. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the profile structure while maintaining reliable module attachment.
3Reliability
If adhesive beads are used to attach modules to carrier profiles, then modules can be fixed in position, but water accumulates on the horizontal adhesive beads leading to corrosion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are designed to automatically prevent water accumulation through their geometric configuration. The interlocking features create drainage paths and prevent water pooling, allowing the system to protect itself from corrosion without additional protective measures, while maintaining strong attachment.
4Shape
If frameless solar modules are used for large-area facade coverage, then a homogeneous appearance is achieved, but the modules lack the structural support that frames provide
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier profiles act as intermediaries between the frameless solar modules and the facade structure. These profiles provide the necessary structural support and mounting interface for the frameless modules, enabling their use on facades while maintaining both the homogeneous appearance and the required structural strength.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and secure method for attaching solar modules, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance without disturbing neighboring modules, while ensuring a homogeneous appearance and preventing water accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement structure interacts with the complementary engagement structure in such a way that as a result of the installation of the solar module the carrier profile is attached to the retaining profile due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fastening at least one solar module (90, 92) to a facade, comprising at least one profiled support (30) mounted on the rear side of a solar module (90, 92), at least one profiled holder (10) mounted on a facade, preferably a building facade, and at least one securing element (70) for securing the at least one profiled holder (10) to the associated profiled support (30). In said device, the profiled support (30) or/and the profiled holder (10) is/are formed by an elongate element that has a contact surface (16) and an engagement structure (18), and the other profiled member, i.e. the profiled holder (10) or the profiled support (30), has a complementary contact surface (42) and a complementary engagement structure (44). In a mounted state, the contact surface (16) and the complementary contact surface (42) rest against each other so as to place the solar module in a predetermined desired position, and the engagement structure (18) cooperates with the complementary engagement structure (44) in such a way that because the solar module is mounted, the profiled support (30) is retainingly mounted on the profiled holder (10) under the effect of gravity and is locked against a movement counter to the force of gravity by means of the at least one securing element (70).