Modular assembly system for mounting modules on a lightweight hall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for energy modules are not suitable for lightweight halls with metal or wooden frameworks and membrane roofs, as they require penetrating the membrane, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A module assembly system that uses fastening elements and holding means attached to the outside of the membrane to connect module carriers, such as photovoltaic or thermal solar modules, without penetrating the membrane, utilizing various fixation methods like pockets, tabs, cords, and fixation points, and integrating fall protection and cable routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If commercially available mounting systems are used for membrane roofs, then modules can be mounted, but the membrane must be penetrated with fixing elements which causes damage and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule mounting capabilityVSAvoidmembrane penetration damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate holding means (clamps, clips, or adhesive-mounted fixtures) that attach to the membrane without penetration, serving as mediators between the mounting system and the membrane. These holding means provide attachment points for module carriers while preserving membrane integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: holding means that attach to the membrane, module carriers that hold the modules, and connection elements that join them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional penetrating fixing elements are used, then secure module attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity and on-site effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule attachment securityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the membrane before module installation. This preliminary action simplifies the final assembly process, as module carriers can be directly attached to the pre-positioned holding means without complex on-site fabrication or membrane penetration work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means are designed to be self-attaching to the membrane using methods such as clamping, clipping, or adhesive bonding without requiring penetration or complex fastening procedures. This self-service capability reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If membrane penetration is avoided, then membrane integrity is preserved, but mounting system reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane integrityVSAvoidmounting system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means are designed to work with the flexible membrane surface, using clamping or adhesive mechanisms that conform to the membrane's thin film structure. This allows secure attachment without penetration, maintaining membrane integrity while ensuring mounting reliability through distributed attachment forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means distribute attachment forces over larger areas and use multiple attachment points, changing the stress parameters from concentrated penetration forces to distributed clamping or adhesive forces. This parameter change maintains mounting reliability while preserving membrane integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3812665A1Modular assembly system for mounting modules on a lightweight hall
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 KWENERGY GMBH
  • EP3812665A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3812665A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3812665A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The module mounting system for mounting modules (7), in particular photovoltaic modules and/or thermal solar modules, on a lightweight building which has a truss structure made of truss profiles (1) and a membrane (2) as a roof covering, comprises at least one fastening element (4) to which a module support (6) for a module can be attached, and at least one retaining means (3) attached to the outside of the membrane for holding the at least one fastening element on the membrane.