Roof-Mounted Solar Panel Lattice With Emergency Quick Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panel support systems for flat or low-pitch roofs are difficult to install, costly, and pose challenges for emergency access, as they often require significant labor and can interfere with firefighting operations due to live electrical components.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates emergency releases and quick fasteners that facilitate easy installation and emergency access, using a solar component position lattice with retainers and single-point operative fasteners that allow for rapid release of solar panels, while maintaining the integrity of the roof seal and accommodating irregular roof surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional solar panel support systems are installed on flat or low-pitch roofs, then the solar panels can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes difficult and costly with significant labor requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into modular components including roof-mounted bases, adjustable arms, and panel holders that can be independently installed and assembled. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation while maintaining structural strength for secure panel mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and movable components such as articulating arms with multiple degrees of freedom that can be positioned and locked at various angles. This dynamic design enables adaptability to different roof surfaces and simplifies installation by allowing components to be easily adjusted and secured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If traditional solar panel support systems are installed on flat or low-pitch roofs, then the solar panels can be securely mounted, but the installation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows for standardized manufacturing of individual components that can be produced more efficiently and assembled on-site, reducing overall installation costs while maintaining secure mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features that reduce the need for specialized installation equipment and expertise, thereby lowering installation costs while ensuring proper and secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If solar panels are securely fastened to the roof, then the solar power system remains stable, but emergency access is blocked and firefighting operations are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidemergency access
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates quick-release mechanisms and movable components that can be rapidly disassembled or reconfigured during emergencies. The adjustable arms and modular connections can be quickly detached to clear access paths for emergency personnel while maintaining stable operation during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for rapid change in its structural configuration through quick-release fasteners and adjustable connections. During normal operation, the parameters are set for stable, secure mounting; during emergencies, the same components can be quickly reconfigured or removed to provide clear access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If solar panels are securely fastened to the roof, then the solar power system remains stable, but installation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows for pre-assembly of components and simplified on-site installation. Each module can be independently positioned and connected, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining system stability through secure interconnections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Components are designed with pre-configured connection points, pre-assembled submodules, and self-aligning features that eliminate time-consuming field adjustments. The preliminary preparation of components ensures rapid installation while guaranteeing stable system assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9479110B2Roof mounted installation solar power system
Publication Date: 2016.10.25 SUSTAINABLE TECH
  • US9479110B2 patent drawing
  • US9479110B2 patent drawing
  • US9479110B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.