Tile-Fixing Device for Sloped Solar Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic installations on roofs face challenges such as restrictive installation processes, potential damage to roof structures due to uneven force distribution, unsightly aesthetics, difficulty in adapting to solar panel sizes, and complex maintenance procedures, particularly on historic buildings.
Innovation Solution
A tile fixing device that uses passive holding means, such as hooks and spacers, to securely attach solar tiles without drilling or screwing, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and maintaining water flow and wind resistance, while accommodating various tile types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If superimposed fixing systems are used to install solar panels on existing roofs, then solar panels can be installed without removing existing roof elements, but the installation process becomes restrictive and requires dismantling and assembling parts of the roof framework
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into separate modular components: a support element that attaches to the roof framework, and tile elements that snap onto the support element. This segmentation allows independent installation of the support structure followed by simple attachment of solar tiles, eliminating the need for complex dismantling and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is pre-installed on the roof framework before the solar tiles are attached. This preliminary action creates a prepared mounting structure that simplifies the subsequent tile installation process, allowing workers to simply snap tiles onto the pre-positioned support element without performing complex operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If superimposed fixing systems are used to install solar panels, then panels can be fixed above existing roof elements, but strong pressure peaks occur at fixing zones likely to cause premature damage to the roof framework
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device distributes attachment points across multiple locations on the roof framework rather than concentrating loads at single fixing zones. The support element spans across the framework with multiple attachment points, and the tile element distributes its weight across these points, preventing strong pressure peaks at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed with varying structural properties at different locations to optimize load distribution. The element may have reinforced sections at critical attachment points and flexible sections elsewhere, allowing it to adapt to local framework conditions and distribute loads appropriately to prevent premature damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If superimposed installations are used for solar panels, then panels can be installed on existing roofs, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and the roof silhouette is disfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tile element is designed to visually replicate the appearance of traditional roofing tiles. The tile element incorporates photovoltaic cells within a structure that mimics the shape, texture, and pattern of conventional tiles, allowing the installation to blend with the existing roof aesthetic while providing solar energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tile element can be manufactured in various colors and finishes to match different roof types and architectural styles. The photovoltaic surface can be tinted or textured to resemble traditional roofing materials, reducing visual contrast and maintaining the roof's aesthetic character.
4Shape
If existing roof surface is removed and replaced with solar panels in tight connection with remaining elements, then aesthetic defect is partially resolved, but the removed roof surface is difficult to adapt to the size of solar panels
Solution Approach 1:
The solar covering system is divided into modular tile elements that can be arranged in various configurations to match different roof surface areas and geometries. Each tile element is a standard size, but multiple tiles can be combined to cover roofs of any dimensions, providing adaptability without requiring custom-sized panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element and tile element design is universal and can be applied to various roof types, sizes, and geometries. The modular nature of the system allows it to adapt to different roof configurations while maintaining consistent aesthetic appearance and installation procedures across diverse applications.
5Shape
If solar panels are integrated into the roof by removing and replacing roof surface, then aesthetic appearance improves, but maintenance operations become difficult and require specially trained workers
Solution Approach 1:
The solar covering system consists of discrete, independently replaceable tile elements rather than a monolithic integrated structure. If maintenance is required, individual tiles can be easily detached and replaced without affecting adjacent tiles or requiring complex disassembly operations, making maintenance accessible to standard roofing workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tile elements are designed to be extractable from the roof system as individual units. Each tile can be removed separately from the support element without disturbing the surrounding installation, allowing for simple replacement during maintenance operations while preserving the overall aesthetic appearance of the integrated roof system.
6Strength
If tiles are drilled to adapt to fixing in existing solar tile solutions, then tiles can be secured to the support structure, but the tiles are weakened or even destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of drilling holes through the solar tiles to attach them to the support structure, the attachment mechanism is inverted: the support element features protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the tile element. This reversal eliminates the need to drill through the solar tiles, preserving their structural integrity while achieving secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary between the roof framework and the solar tile element. It provides the attachment interface to the framework while presenting a compatible interface to the tile element through mechanical interlocking features, eliminating the need for direct drilling of the solar tiles themselves.
7Strength
If tiles are drilled for fixing in existing solutions, then tiles can be attached to support structure, but tiles are not easily removable during roof maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses reversible mechanical interlocking features rather than permanent drilling and fastening. The support element protrusions engage with tile recesses through a snap-fit or clip mechanism that allows for easy disengagement, enabling tile removal during maintenance without requiring destructive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between support element and tile element incorporates dynamic, movable features that allow for easy assembly and disassembly. The mechanical interlocking system may include flexible components or movable fasteners that enable workers to quickly release and remove tiles during maintenance operations while maintaining secure attachment during normal service.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for fixing tiles (82) intended to cover a sloping surface, which includes a rigid element, which can be fixed by means of attachment to a support element (11) of the surface to be covered.