Overlapping Roof Panel Assembly for Rail-Free Solar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing solar modules on building roofs are cumbersome, requiring difficult handling and positioning of rails, which complicates the assembly and compromises the roof's tightness and ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A panel design with a modified profile that allows for marginal overlap of panels to form a closed channel, eliminating the need for a fixing rail, enabling direct attachment of solar modules while maintaining roof tightness and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar modules are secured to the roof by means of a rail fixed to the ribs of the panels, then the solar module is separated from the roof favoring ventilation of the rear face of the module, but the handling and positioning of the rails is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rail function directly into the panel structure by integrating fixing elements (ribs with lateral wings and central parts) into the panel profile itself. This eliminates the separate rail component and reduces on-site assembly steps while maintaining the ventilation channel between the solar module and roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rail function from the assembly and incorporates it directly into the panel design. The fixing elements are built into the panel profile, removing the need for separate rail handling and installation while preserving the ventilation function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar modules are secured to the roof by means of a rail fixed to the ribs of the panels, then solar modules of variable length can be attached to the roof, but the assembly conditions on site do not favor continuing to ensure the tightness of the roof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixing function and the roof sealing function into a single integrated panel profile design. The lateral wings and central parts of the ribs provide both solar module attachment and roof tightness maintenance, eliminating the need for separate rail assembly that would compromise roof sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel profile is pre-designed and pre-formed with integrated fixing elements during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows for easy on-site assembly while maintaining roof tightness, as the fixing structure is already in place and does not require additional on-site assembly that would compromise the roof seal.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a panel (1) having a profile comprising: a first longitudinal edge comprising in succession at least one first longitudinal rib (2), a flange and a second longitudinal rib (2'), each of the longitudinal ribs comprising an upper central part and two lateral wings; a central part; a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession a first lateral portion (7), a protruding part (8) and a second lateral portion (7'), the lateral portions (7, 7') having a configuration enabling them to cover at least in part the upper central parts of the longitudinal ribs (2, 2'), the protruding part (8) being able to receive a fastening means (15, 15'). The invention also relates to the associated assembly of panels by marginal overlapping, and also to the associated roofing and associated kit for producing the roofing.