PV Substructure Bracket Assembly for Watertight Roof Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in ensuring a robust and watertight attachment to building structures, particularly on flat roofs, as conventional fasteners penetrate the waterproofing layers, risking damage during extreme weather events.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a perforated plate, sealing sleeve, intermediate piece, and cover, which provides a watertight seal and anchoring mechanism to secure the PV substructure to the building while maintaining roof integrity, using materials like plastic, aluminum, or steel to withstand lifting forces and fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fasteners are used to attach PV substructure to building, then attachment strength is improved, but waterproofing integrity deteriorates due to penetration of waterproofing layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bracket system as an intermediary component that includes a perforated plate with threaded fitting, sealing sleeve, intermediate piece with watertight barrier, and cover. This intermediary structure allows mechanical attachment while maintaining waterproofing through multiple sealing elements that prevent water ingress around fasteners and through penetration points.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is divided into multiple functional segments: perforated plate for structural attachment, sealing sleeve for waterproofing, intermediate piece with watertight barrier for additional sealing, and cover for protection. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements of both attachment strength and waterproofing integrity independently.
2Reliability
If robust attachment exceeding waterproofing layer capacity is used, then resistance to extreme weather is improved, but complexity of mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated bracket system where the perforated plate, sealing sleeve, intermediate piece, and cover work together as a unified assembly. This merging provides robust weather resistance through coordinated action of multiple sealing and structural elements while presenting a single modular unit for installation, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural attachment through threaded fitting, waterproofing through sealing sleeve and watertight barrier, weather resistance through robust construction, and ease of installation through modular design. This multi-functionality addresses extreme weather requirements while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If ballast-free mounting is used, then ease of installation is improved, but attachment reliability deteriorates under lifting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ballast-based mechanical restraint with a threaded fastening system that provides active mechanical attachment. The perforated plate with threaded fitting and anchoring screws create secure attachment points that resist lifting forces through direct thread engagement and structural connection, eliminating the need for ballast while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
For a mounting (30) for a photovoltaic substructure (31) on a building, it is proposed that the mounting comprises: • a perforated plate (1) with a plate surface (2) and a through-hole (4) and with threaded studs (3) extending from the plane of the plate surface, • an annular sealing sleeve (7) extending around the threaded stud, • a screwable intermediate piece (9) with a water-impermeable barrier (14) between two ends, • a sealing ring at the first end of the intermediate piece, • a cover (16) at the second end of the intermediate piece with a retaining screw (29) arranged in a through-hole (17), the screw head of which is received in a screw receptacle (35) between the barrier and the cover, • and at least one anchoring screw (28) in the through-hole of the perforated plate for the intended fixing of the mounting to a building.