Solar Module Snap-In Mounting for Fast Secure Roof Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar module mounting systems require significant installation effort and are complex to dismantle or reconfigure, making them time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system featuring a carrier element with a snap-in connection mechanism between the holder and the carrier element, allowing for secure fixation and easy release, along with flexible positioning, reduces assembly and disassembly time and effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screw connections are used to attach brackets to carrier elements, then secure fixation is achieved, but installation and disassembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidinstallation and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical connection system with a snap-in connection system using elastic legs that engage with recesses in the carrier element. This substitution eliminates the need for threading screws, significantly reducing installation and disassembly time while maintaining secure fixation through the elastic retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic legs automatically engage with the carrier element recesses when the bracket is positioned correctly, providing self-aligning and self-fixing functionality. The elastic deformation of the legs creates automatic retention without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening operations, reducing installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in mounting systems, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but system complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bracket and carrier element into an integrated assembly where the bracket directly snaps onto the carrier element via elastic legs. This merging of previously separate components (bracket, carrier, and fastening mechanism) into a single integrated system reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, while maintaining the adaptability to different installation locations through the modular nature of the integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system significantly reduces installation and dismantling time and costs by enabling simple, secure, and flexible attachment of solar modules to various structures, such as roofs and ground, while maintaining secure module support.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic legs stretch outwards slightly while the projections slide along the outer walls of the module rail. As soon as the projections are level with the indentations of the carrier element, the tension in the legs causes the projections to be pressed into the indentations with a certain force and to latch in them.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2221557A1Snap-on connection
Publication Date: 2010.08.25 CLIMASOL SOLARANLAGEN
  • EP2221557A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2221557A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2221557A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The system (10) has a wooden board (11) arranged on a covering sheet (21) and fixed at a flat roof (20) by screws (12), where a shaft of each of the screws extends from the wooden board. A retaining bracket, screws and module rails are used for fixing solar modules at the wooden board. The covering sheet and a water-proof or moisture-proof film are connected by a weld seam, such that penetration of water from a surface of the covering sheet into an area between the wooden board and the covering sheet is prevented.