Flat-Roof Solar Module Mounting With Adhesive Support Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting photovoltaic and solar collector systems on flat roofs often result in roof damage, leaks, increased snow load, and unsightly installations, limiting the adoption of solar technology on such surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A holding and fastening device with a flat support section that allows secure attachment to the roof surface via gluing, welding, or magnetism, minimizing weight and preserving roof integrity, using lightweight materials and modular designs to reduce load and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drilled holes are used to anchor holders in the roof surface, then the holder achieves solid anchoring and wind resistance, but the existing roof sealing is destroyed causing leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder anchoring reliabilityVSAvoidroof leak risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sealing element as an intermediary component between the holder and the roof surface. This sealing element distributes the anchoring forces over a larger area and maintains the roof sealing integrity, preventing leaks while achieving reliable holder anchoring. The sealing element acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of secure anchoring and leak prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If holders are fastened on the side walls via T-beams to avoid roof leaks, then roof leak tightness is maintained, but the method becomes very cost intensive and affects the outside appearance undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof leak preventionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic T-beam structure from the solution and replaces it with a simplified holder design that integrates the anchoring function directly into the holder body. This eliminates the need for separate side wall fastening structures, reducing installation costs and complexity while maintaining roof leak prevention through the sealing element approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If holders are fastened on the roof surface with weights, then the holder achieves secure fastening, but the maximum snow load that the roof can bear is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder fastening securityVSAvoidroof load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based fastening system with a chemical/adhesive bonding system. Instead of using heavy weights to secure the holder, the invention uses adhesive materials that bond the holder directly to the roof surface, achieving secure fastening without adding significant weight to the roof structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Weight of stationary object

If a lightweight construction is chosen to reduce roof load, then the snow load on the roof is minimized, but the holder may lack sufficient stability and wind resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof loadVSAvoidholder wind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures for the holder, combining lightweight materials with high-strength components and strategic reinforcement. The holder uses a composite design that optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining wind resistance and stability while minimizing the overall weight to reduce roof load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables secure and leak-proof attachment of solar modules on flat roofs without damaging the roof structure, reducing snow load, and allowing for efficient solar panel positioning, while maintaining the roof's integrity and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the support surfaces are configured for establishing an adhesive connection with the roof surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive connection: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the support section enables fastening the holding and fastening device by way of gluing, welding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

or even through magnetism or the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8820030B2Holding and fastening device

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 F&F VERMOGENS

AI summary

A holding and fastening device (1) has means for holding at least one photovoltaic module or solar collector module in an alignment suited for the intended use. The device has fastening means for fastening to a roof surface, that allow for a simple and secure attachment of solar modules even to flat roofs while preventing damage to the roof structure and without impairing the leak tightness of the roof. The fastening means have at least one flat support section (7) with a support surface for the plane-parallel support on the roof surface. The support sections (7) may be covered with an adhesive panel, preferably a bitumen panel (18), that can be glued or welded to existing panels on the roof surface. Older roofs can be pretreated for better adhesion.