Solar Panel Hook-Strip Mounting Without Roof Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel attachment methods damage roofs, are costly, and cannot be easily installed or removed on sloped surfaces due to mechanical fasteners and weight constraints, and alternative methods like ballast blocks are not suitable for all roof types and slopes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection arrangement using a mushroom-type hook strip system that allows for easy, cost-effective, and durable attachment of solar panels to various roofing and siding systems without structural modifications, suitable for both sloped and non-sloped surfaces, using strips with flexible backing and adjustable stem distribution for secure and removable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, nails, rivets) are used to attach solar panels to the roof system, then the solar panels can be securely attached to the roof system, but the roof system integrity is compromised due to holes and modifications in the roof surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for penetrating fasteners by extracting the attachment function to the roof surface level. The mechanical connector system operates entirely on the surface without creating holes through the roof membrane, thereby preserving roof integrity while achieving secure panel attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical connector system consisting of a roof-mounted component and a panel-mounted component that interface without penetrating the roof. This intermediary system transfers the attachment function from invasive fasteners to a surface-level connection mechanism.
2Strength
If traditional mechanical connectors are used to secure solar panels, then the panels can be firmly attached, but the removal or repair becomes time-consuming, difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into two separable components: a roof-mounted component that remains fixed to the roof surface, and a panel-mounted component that attaches to and can be removed from the roof component. This segmentation enables independent removal of solar panels without disturbing the roof mounting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic attachment system where the connection between roof and panel components can be easily established and released. The mechanical connector allows for reversible attachment, transitioning from a static permanent fastening to a dynamic removable connection that simplifies maintenance and repair operations.
3Strength
If mechanical connectors are used to attach solar panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional damage to the roof system occurs over time due to rust and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical connector components made from corrosion-resistant materials that are designed to be replaced rather than repaired. The system uses inexpensive, durable components that can be quickly swapped out if degradation occurs, eliminating the maintenance burden of corroding traditional metal fasteners.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If ballast blocks are used to connect solar panels without mechanical fasteners, then roof integrity is preserved, but significant weight is added to the roofing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-based ballast system with a mechanical interlocking system. Instead of relying on heavy blocks to resist panel uplift through weight, the invention uses engineered mechanical connectors with interlocking components that provide attachment strength without requiring excessive mass.
5Adaptability or versatility
If ballast blocks are used for solar panel attachment, then mechanical fastening is avoided, but the system cannot be used on sloped roof surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mechanical connector system that functions effectively on both flat and sloped roof surfaces. The roof-mounted component and panel-mounted component create an attachment mechanism that adapts to various roof geometries, eliminating the limitation of ballast systems to horizontal surfaces only.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.