Interlocking Photovoltaic Roofing Elements for Watertight Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic roofing systems face challenges in installation on steep surfaces, ensuring watertightness, and aesthetic integration with conventional roofing, while also risking wire damage during installation due to pinching or bending.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with an upward-facing and downward-facing surface, including an attachment zone and exposure zone, with sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to provide water drainage channels, and a wiring containment structure to prevent damage, integrated with side flashing elements for enhanced installation and watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic roofing elements are installed on steep roof surfaces, then photovoltaic power generation coverage is improved, but installation difficulty increases and watertightness becomes harder to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic roofing system is divided into modular elements that can be independently installed and interconnected. Each element contains integrated wiring channels that guide wires through the structure, preventing wire damage during installation on steep surfaces while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side flashing elements as intermediary components between photovoltaic roofing elements and conventional roofing products. These flashings provide a transition zone that ensures watertightness and aesthetic integration, particularly important when installing on steep surfaces where water runoff is more pronounced.
2Shape
If photovoltaic roofing elements are integrated with roofing products, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but wire damage risk increases during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiring system with the structural components of the photovoltaic roofing elements. Wires are routed through integrated channels within the roofing elements themselves, rather than being externally exposed. This protects wires from pinching, bending, or damage during installation while maintaining the aesthetic integration of the photovoltaic elements with the roofing product.
3Shape
If transition zone between photovoltaic and conventional roofing is created, then aesthetic effect is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side flashing elements serve multiple functions: they create the aesthetic transition zone between photovoltaic and conventional roofing, ensure watertightness by closing the roof structure, and provide a simple interconnection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall installation complexity despite the added aesthetic requirement.
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 solution facilitates easier installation, ensures watertightness, and prevents wire damage, enhancing the aesthetic integration of photovoltaic roofing elements with conventional roofing systems while maintaining effective water drainage and electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
components that convert light energy into electrical energy. Such 'photovoltaic cells' are often made from semiconductor-type materials
Implementation Method 2
sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to provide water drainage channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.