Laser Alignment Device for Solar Panel Installation on Uneven Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning solar panels on rooftops are inconsistent and ineffective due to the elevated mounting and uneven roof surfaces, making it difficult to ensure proper alignment with gravitational direction and roof elements like shingles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a laser emitting device and a target with adjustable slits and legs, allowing the laser to align with roof elements such as shingles or edges, enabling precise alignment of solar panels without requiring a completely level roof surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leveling methods are used to align solar panels with gravitational direction, then the solar panel can be level relative to gravity, but it may not align with roof elements such as shingles or roof edges, resulting in inconsistent and ineffective alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser alignment system as an intermediary tool between the solar panel and roof elements. The laser device projects reference lines that serve as a mediator to establish precise alignment relationships between the solar panel and roof features, overcoming the limitation of conventional level tools that cannot reference roof elements directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical leveling tools with an optical laser alignment system. This substitution enables alignment measurements to be taken relative to roof elements rather than just gravitational level, providing both precision and adaptability to the specific roof structure.
2Ease of operation
If solar panels are mounted on elevated rails for proper securing and serviceability, then the panels can be conveniently installed and maintained, but it becomes difficult to use conventional methods to level the solar panel
Solution Approach 1:
The laser alignment device serves as an intermediary measurement tool that can reach and reference the elevated solar panel position. The laser can be positioned on the ground or at a lower elevation and project alignment lines up to the panel, eliminating the need for technicians to physically access the elevated panel for leveling measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mechanical level measurements to three-dimensional optical laser alignment. The laser can establish alignment references in multiple spatial dimensions, allowing precise alignment to be achieved from different positions and elevations, thus accommodating the elevated mounting configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the roof surface is uneven, then the solar panel mounting becomes more complex, but conventional methods require a completely level roof surface for accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The laser alignment system allows for local adjustment of alignment references to match the specific roof geometry. Instead of requiring the entire roof to be level, the laser can project alignment lines that reference local roof elements such as individual shingle rows or edge features, accommodating local variations in roof surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from absolute gravitational level to relative alignment with roof elements. This parameter change allows the alignment system to adapt to uneven roof surfaces by referencing the actual roof features present at each location, rather than requiring a uniform level surface.
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 quick and accurate alignment of solar panels with roof elements, reducing the need for expensive equipment and complex measurements, and ensuring proper installation even on uneven rooftops.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter connected to the connector such that when the connector is connected to the device, the laser emitter is configured to emit a laser in a first direction parallel to the first plane and the second plane
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments of a system including a laser emitting device and a target is disclosed. The laser emitting device includes a connector configured to connect to a device having a flat top extending in a first plane and a flat side extending in a second plane, and a laser emitter connected to the connector such that when the connector is connected to the device, the laser emitter is configured to emit a laser in a first direction parallel to the first plane and the second plane. The target includes a body, a tray including at least one slit in a front side of the tray configured to allow passage of the laser into the tray, a neck connecting the body to the tray, and legs connected to the body and configured to support the body, neck, and tray.