Figure 1
The visual consists of four panels labeled “(a)”, “(b)”, “(c)”, and “(d)” arranged in a two-by-two layout, combining schematic diagrams and photographs of a tile system and its support structure. In panel “(a)” at the top left, a vertical rectangular cross-section shows a layered assembly. The outer top and bottom layers are labeled “Tempered glass”. Between them are multiple thin horizontal layers labeled “E V A”, “Cells”, and “PET”, arranged in stacked sequence. Arrows from the left point to each labeled layer. On the right side of the section, two vertical dimension arrows are shown: a larger one labeled “13.97” spanning the full thickness and a shorter one labeled “6” extending from the top edge to the upper E V A layer. The layers are depicted as parallel horizontal bands with clear separation. In panel “(b)” at the top right, a square plan view is shown with a thick outer boundary. Dimension arrows along the top and right edges are labeled “500”, indicating equal length and width. Inside the square, nine smaller equal-sized squares are arranged in a three-by-three grid, separated by narrow gaps, forming a uniform tiled pattern. In panel “(c)” in the middle, a photograph shows a single rectangular tile panel resting on four supports positioned near its corners. The tile surface appears flat with a textured pattern, and a shoe is placed on top near the center. Each support consists of a circular base with radial ribs and a central vertical stem connecting to the underside of the tile. Electrical cables are visible on the floor nearby, and the floor consists of square tiles arranged in a grid. On the right side of panel (c), a simple diagram shows a square tile with four circular supports positioned at each corner, with the label “Supports” below it. In panel “(d)” at the bottom, a close-up photograph shows the junction between two adjacent tiles labeled “Tile 1” on the left and “Tile 2” on the right. A narrow gap is present between the tile edges, labeled “Gap (spacer)”, with a “Steel spacer” positioned between them. Beneath the tiles, a support assembly is shown in detail, including a “Round stiffened plate” directly under the tile, a threaded vertical rod, and a “Nut” used for height control. A label “Vertical adjustment” points to the threaded section of the rod. The support base is circular with ribbed reinforcement and rests on a tiled floor surface.Reference BIPV sample: (a) cross-section layout (dimensions in mm); (b) front view (dimensions in mm); (c) view of a typical modular unit and layout of the discrete metal supports; (d) with point-fixing detailing. Source: Authors’ own work