Modular Solar Collector Kit for Easy Roof and Facade Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar collectors for thermal energy generation on roofs and facades are complex to assemble and require specialized knowledge due to their large dimensions and weight, making them cumbersome to transport and install, especially for non-experts.

Innovation Solution

A solar collector kit comprising a foldable cover, a hose-like flexible housing, and an absorber, with insulating foam used to shape and stabilize the housing upon assembly, allowing for easy transportation and assembly by non-specialists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional solar collectors are designed as complete pre-assembled panels, then structural stability and thermal insulation are ensured, but transport and assembly become cumbersome due to large dimensions and high weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of transport and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solar collector is divided into separate modular components: a flexible housing, a cover, an absorber, and insulating foam in packaging units. These segments can be transported independently and assembled on-site, eliminating the need to handle large pre-assembled panels while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible housing that contains all components in a compact form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover, absorber, and insulating foam are nested within the flexible housing, which acts as a containing structure. This nesting approach allows all components to be transported in a compact, space-efficient manner while being easily separable for assembly, resolving the contradiction between compact transport and stable construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If solar collectors are designed as complete pre-assembled panels, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly requires specialist knowledge and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The housing, cover, and absorber are pre-formed as complete components with integrated connection features. The flexible housing is pre-shaped to accommodate the absorber and cover, and connection elements are pre-positioned, allowing assembly to proceed through simple insertion and connection actions without requiring specialized knowledge or time-consuming adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If large-area individual parts are used, then collector area is increased, but coordination and adaptation of fastening parts become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollector areaVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the absorber and insulating foam, provides structural support, enables transport in a compact form, and facilitates assembly through its elastic properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate, complex fastening and coordination parts, allowing the housing itself to adapt to different installation situations while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 kit design simplifies installation, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates assembly errors, enabling a cost-effective and efficient solar thermal system setup even for inexperienced individuals.

Implementation Method 1

at least one further packaging unit with insulating foam as an aid, which is intended for filling via at least one connection on the housing and shaping the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam expansion: Foam

Implementation Method 2

an absorber with an absorber plate and flow channels running underneath for a heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2715246B1Solar collector
Publication Date: 2015.07.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2715246B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2715246B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2715246B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a solar collector for obtaining heat energy, in particular for use on roofs and on facades, according to the preamble of claim 1. The object of the invention is to provide a solar collector for use on roofs and on facades which is of simple design, can be produced cost-effectively and can be transported simply. The solar collector is characterized by being configured as a kit, substantially consisting of a covering, absorber and flexible housing as individual parts to be joined together and of at least one further packaging unit with insulating foam as an auxiliary which is intended for filling via at least one connection on the housing and forming of the housing.