Modular Foot-and-Beam Mounting System for Rooftop Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar photovoltaic systems on building roofs faces challenges due to design and installation costs, structural capacity considerations, and the reluctance of building owners and users to invest in such systems, particularly due to the need for uniquely engineered solutions that account for roof characteristics and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongate feet and connectors that affix to the building surface, allowing adjustable positioning and non-orthogonal placement of solar photovoltaic modules, with a support structure that includes central and outer beams and joiners, enabling easy deployment and stowing configurations, and utilizing adhesive foam for secure attachment without penetrating the roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniquely engineered solution is used to manage the weight and structural capacity of the roof, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into modular components including feet, beams, and connectors that can be independently assembled and configured. Each foot is a separate element that attaches to the roof, and multiple feet work together with beams to support the solar array, allowing the system to be adapted to different roof structures without requiring a completely custom engineered solution for each installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed with universal components that can be applied to various roof types and configurations. The feet, beams, and connectors form a standardized system that can accommodate different structural capacities and roof characteristics, reducing the need for uniquely engineered solutions while maintaining structural integrity across diverse installation scenarios.
2Productivity
If the size, shape, orientation, slope, and height of the roof are optimized to maximize energy yield, then the energy production is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and flexible components that allow the solar array to be configured in different orientations and angles to optimize energy capture. The modular beam and connector system enables adaptation to various roof slopes and orientations without requiring complex custom engineering for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of key parameters including array orientation, tilt angle, and spacing by modifying the configuration of modular components. The feet and beams can be positioned and angled to optimize energy yield for different roof characteristics, while maintaining a standardized component set that simplifies installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive foam is used to affix feet to the roof surface without penetration, then the roof integrity is preserved, but the attachment strength and resistance to disengagement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive foam serves as an intermediary material between the foot and the roof surface, providing a bonding interface that preserves roof integrity while achieving sufficient attachment strength. The foam distributes loads across a larger area and creates a flexible bond that accommodates minor surface irregularities, maintaining both roof protection and secure mounting.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and complexity, allows for efficient energy yield optimization, and minimizes interference with the roof's integrity and usability, while enabling easy installation and decommissioning without compromising the roof's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing adhesive foam for secure attachment without penetrating the roof
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting a service component to a building structure has a plurality of elongate feet, and a plurality of connectors that each interconnect a respective one of the feet with the service component. Each foot is configured to affix to a surface of the building structure and then to resist disengagement from that surface. The connectors each interconnect a respective one of the feet with the service component, and secure the relative position of the respective foot and the service component. An elongate beam can be connected or connectable to the service component, such that in the installed system the beam is to be positioned to extend obliquely across the feet.