Solar Roof Tile Holding Beam With Integrated Drain Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding means for solar roof tiles on pitched roofs do not effectively prevent water ingress and ensure efficient drainage, leading to potential damage and reduced efficiency due to lack of proper sealing and support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A holding means comprising an oblong beam with supports on upper and lower battens, a rest for the solar tiles, and a drain channel for water management, along with elastic materials and securing elements to secure and protect the tiles, allowing for imbrication and efficient water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If holding means are mounted on pitched roofs to secure solar roof tiles, then the solar tiles are firmly supported and positioned, but water ingress occurs due to insufficient sealing and drainage protection
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is divided into functionally separate components: support elements for mechanical attachment to battens, rest elements for tile support, and integrated drain channels for water management. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to prevent water ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means acts as an intermediary element between the roof batten and the solar roof tile, providing both mechanical support and water management functions. The integrated drain channel serves as a mediator to redirect water away from the roof structure before it can cause damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting methods are used to secure solar tiles to battens, then installation is simple, but water drainage and sealing are insufficient leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical support, tile positioning, and water drainage. This combination maintains installation simplicity while significantly improving water protection reliability, as the drain channels are pre-integrated into the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the solar tile mechanically, positions it correctly on the pitched roof, and manages water drainage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing and drainage components, maintaining ease of installation while enhancing reliability.
3Shape
If solar roof tiles are mounted on pitched roofs for aesthetic purposes, then the roof appearance is improved, but water ingress and drainage issues arise due to the pitched structure
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means provides localized water management at critical points where the pitched roof structure creates vulnerability to water ingress. The drain channels are positioned to specifically address water flow patterns on pitched surfaces, allowing the overall aesthetic design to be maintained while providing targeted protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding means for a solar roof tile comprising an oblong beam extending in Iongitudinal direction and comprising a first support supported in a mounted position on a first upper batten of a pitched roof and a second support supported in the mounted position on a second lower batten. The holding means further comprises at least one rest for the solar roof tile and a drain channel arranged adjacent to the at least one rest and extending in the longitudinal direction to drain atmospheric water along a longitudinal outer edge of the solar roof tile.