Roof Panel Connection System with Tool-Free Rotating Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for installing rectangular panels on buildings lack efficient tool-free connection methods, efficient tiled installation, and easy panel removal without disturbing surrounding panels, particularly on inclined surfaces like roofs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs connection members with rotating and pivoting parts that allow panels to be attached and detached without tools, enabling efficient installation in a tiled manner and allowing for easy removal of individual panels by using a disengaging tool to pivot members into a disengaged position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used to attach panels to support elements, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-free installation and easy panel removal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is divided into two separate parts: a first part attached to the panel and a second part attached to the support element. This segmentation allows for tool-free installation by simply bringing the parts together, while maintaining secure attachment. The divided structure also enables easy removal by separating the parts without requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The first connection member incorporates a rotating element that allows the panel to be tilted during installation and then locked into a fixed position. This dynamic mechanism enables tool-free operation while achieving secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are installed in a tiled manner with overlap, then aesthetic appearance and weather protection are improved, but installation efficiency and individual panel accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system allows each panel to be independently attached to support elements while maintaining tiled overlap. The segmented connection members enable installers to work on individual panels without disturbing adjacent panels, significantly improving installation efficiency while preserving the stable tiled arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Support elements are pre-installed on the structure before panels are attached. This preliminary action allows panels to be quickly connected in a tiled manner without requiring complex coordination between adjacent panel installations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining arrangement stability.
3Reliability
If panels are securely fixed to prevent movement, then structural stability is achieved, but easy removal of individual panels without disturbing surrounding panels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is divided into two independent parts that can be easily separated. The first part remains attached to the panel while the second part remains on the support element, allowing individual panels to be removed without disturbing adjacent panels or requiring complex disassembly procedures, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be self-releasing through a simple tilting motion that automatically disengages the locking mechanism. This self-service feature allows individual panels to be easily removed without requiring tools or disturbing surrounding panels, while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation.
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
This solution facilitates efficient, tool-free installation and removal of panels on various surfaces, including inclined roofs, with the ability to start installation from the top, ensuring secure attachment and easy replacement of defective panels, such as solar panels, while preventing water penetration.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot member being able to pivot around a pivot axis extending parallel to said plate like element, wherein said pivot member is able to engage a portion of the other part of the second connection member by turning around said pivot axis from a disengaged position into an engaged position
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising installed panels, wherein a number of rectangular panels (10, 11) are connected to elongated support elements (4) by means of connection members (12, 13), each having two parts (8, 16; 9, 17) being attachable to each other. One of said parts (16, 17) is attached to the panel (10, 11) and the other part (8, 9) is attached to a support element (4). The panels are installed by connecting the two parts (8,16) of the connection members (12) along one edge of the panel (10, 11), then by rotating the panel (10, 11) so that the two parts (9, 17) of the other connection members (13) along the opposite edge of the panel (10, 11) engage each other.