Panel Connector Assembly for Wind-Resistant Modular Roofing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Glass panel roofing systems are costly, have poor insulating properties, and are prone to damage, leading to high maintenance and operational expenses, while modular polymeric panels lack versatility in size and are susceptible to wind loads, necessitating improved connector assemblies for enhanced structural integrity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of connector assemblies comprising clips and side collectors with specific geometries and energy directors that securely attach panels together, allowing for various panel sizes and configurations, and provide enhanced resistance to wind loads by preventing panel separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass panels are used for roofing, then light transmission is good, but insulating ability is poor and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to multiwall polymeric panels, which fundamentally alters the thermal insulation properties while maintaining light transmission. The multiwall structure with air pockets provides thermal insulation, reducing energy loss while still allowing natural light to pass through for illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If glass panels are used for roofing, then light transmission is good, but impact resistance is poor and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to multiwall polymeric panels, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. The polymeric material provides superior impact resistance and ductility compared to glass, while the multiwall structure maintains light transmission capabilities, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If modular polymeric panels are used, then ease of installation is improved, but versatility in size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel system into two independent components: the panel itself and the connector assembly. This allows the panel to be produced in standard modular sizes for easy installation, while the connector assembly can be customized in various geometries and configurations to accommodate different panel sizes and roofing requirements, thereby achieving both ease of installation and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the standard modular panels and the specific roofing application requirements. By customizing the connector rather than the panel, the system achieves versatility in size and configuration while maintaining the ease of installation provided by standard modular panels.
4Weight of moving object
If modular polymeric panels are used, then weight is reduced, but resistance to wind loads is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into panel and connector components, allowing the lightweight panel to be combined with a specially designed connector assembly. The connector is engineered with specific geometries and attachment structures that provide enhanced resistance to wind loads, while the panel itself remains lightweight for ease of installation and reduced structural requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a connector assembly comprises: a connector; and a pair of side collectors, each comprising a connector engagement region having a size and geometry to mate with the connector so as to hold ends of two adjacent panels together; and a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area and having a size to attach onto an edge of the panel; and a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the engagement has an extension projecting from a side of the engagement, wherein the panel engagement region further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the extension of the engagement.