Snap-Fit Solar Panel Mounting Section for Damage-Free Roof Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel fixing systems often damage roof coverings during installation and maintenance, and they lack sufficient resistance to strong wind forces, necessitating complex and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A mounting section with second section bars that snap-fit onto the roof's profiled modules, featuring C- or U-shaped end-folds for secure engagement without drilling, and incorporating drainage channels and adaptable geometry to support solar panels without harming the roof, made from the same material as the roof to prevent galvanic corrosion and visual discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling or fixing systems are used to attach solar panels to the roof covering, then the panels can be securely fixed, but the roof covering is damaged and weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fixing system consisting of profiled bars that engage with the roof covering's profiled modules through complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses). This intermediary structure distributes mechanical loads across multiple engagement points without penetrating or damaging the roof covering material, thereby achieving secure panel fixation while preserving roof integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is segmented into modular profiled bars that can be independently positioned and engaged with specific roof modules. Each bar segment provides localized fixation capability, allowing the system to achieve overall structural strength through distributed, non-invasive attachment points across the roof surface.
2Strength
If a strong fixing system is used to resist wind forces, then the panels remain securely attached, but the roof covering may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled bars are pre-configured with engagement geometries that match the roof covering's profiled modules before installation. This preliminary design ensures that when the system is assembled, wind forces are automatically distributed across multiple pre-positioned engagement points, providing inherent wind resistance without requiring additional penetrating fixtures that could damage the roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system combines the roof covering material with profiled bar elements to create a composite structural assembly. This composite structure leverages the strengths of both components - the roof covering provides the base surface while the profiled bars provide enhanced mechanical interlocking and wind load distribution, achieving superior wind resistance without compromising the roof material.
3Strength
If the fixing system is made from different material than the roof covering, then it provides structural strength, but galvanic corrosion and visual discrepancies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled bars are manufactured from the same material as the roof covering, creating a homogeneous system throughout. This material uniformity eliminates galvanic corrosion risks that would arise from dissimilar metal contact, while still providing the necessary structural strength through the engineered profiled geometry and engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining overall material homogeneity, the profiled bars incorporate locally varied geometric qualities - specifically the protrusions and recesses - that provide enhanced mechanical engagement. This allows the system to achieve superior structural performance through shape optimization rather than material differentiation, avoiding galvanic corrosion while maintaining visual consistency.
4Reliability
If a complex fixing system is used to ensure durability, then the panels remain secure, but the installation and maintenance become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into standardized, modular profiled bar segments that can be independently installed and positioned. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each module engages with the roof covering through a consistent, pre-designed interface, reducing installation complexity while maintaining overall system durability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled bars are designed with universal engagement geometries that can be applied across different sections of the roof covering. This universality allows the same component design to be reused throughout the installation, simplifying both installation and future maintenance operations while ensuring consistent durability performance across the entire fixing system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A section bar is described for fixing solar panels to an underlying roof covering which is formed by the juxtaposition of plates which overlap to the side, the section bar having a cross section which comprises a seat (S) in which the end of a panel is held, and a part which is suitable for being snap-engaged onto the curved part of a rise (36)formed by a covering plate. The part which is engaged comprises two distinct portions which can be snap-engaged onto a respective curved part of the rise.