Systems for installing solar panels

Abstract

A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly, the mounting system comprising a panel support bracket, a base bracket and a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The clamp comprises a V-shaped clamp body comprising a pair of legs, the pair of legs being spring loaded to resist approach of the legs caused by an external compressive force. The clamp comprises a pair of receiver slots, wherein each of the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The pair of receiver slots collectively provide a gap to allow entry of the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 742,713, filed on October 8, 2018, and entitled “Mounting Clamp for Assembling Solar Panels,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The most common method for mechanically attaching and electrically bonding solar panels (e.g., solar photovoltaic (PV) panels) to mounting structures is by using conventional fasteners including bolts, nuts, washers or rivets. However, there are several problems with using conventional fasteners. First, panel sizes and the location of mounting holes in panel frames are not standardized across manufacturers. The lack of standardization forces suppliers to customize mounting hardware for each solar project to match the specifications of different panels. This extends manufacturing lead times and increases supply chain costs. Second, the use of bolted connections increases the complexity and time required for panel installation and the risk of installation errors. For example, the mounting holes at the bottom of the PV panel frame must be manually aligned with the matching holes in the supporting structure (e.g., mounting beams), and then the bolts must be screwed on, washers inserted, and nuts temporarily placed. These steps are usually taken four times for each PV panel under conditions that are not ergonomic or comfortable for the installer. In each case, these parts and tools may be lost, lost, stolen, or dropped on the panel, which may cause damage to the solar cells. Finally, the nuts and bolts must be tightened at a specific torque value, which is difficult to achieve in practice. Overtorque is a common cause of bolt failure under high wind loads, while undertorque can cause bolts and nuts to loosen due to vibration and other environmental conditions. This increases repair costs by requiring constant inspection and retightening of large numbers of bolts and nuts in the field.

[0004] PV mounting solutions that rely on conventional bolting are common in all major solar markets, including residential and commercial building rooftops, solar carports and canopies, and large-scale plant-scale ground-mount applications for both fixed-tilt and tracking. Currently, there are only a few fasteners and tools commercially available that can provide mechanical attachment to PV panels in an integral manner without relying on bolting.

[0005] The first type of fastener relies on the use of a rod and a wedge, which together surround the flange of the PV panel frame and the flange of the support member. The wedge may have a barb or notch that electrically connects the PV panel frame to the support member (e.g., US20120201601A1). The second type of fastener relies on a combination of a slot and a spring-loaded barb protrusion to attach the flange of the PV panel frame and the flange of the support member (e.g., US8590223B2; US8745935B2; DE102012208480B3; US10211774B2; US10240820B2).

[0006] While existing commercial solutions are generally effective, they suffer from several deficiencies. These designs tend to be complicated to install due to the requirement to mount in situations where they are not fully visible, or to pre-attach fasteners to the frame of the PV panel, which is frustrating in terms of providing an easily repeatable installation. Furthermore, most of these solutions only allow for the attachment of PV panels in a so-called landscape configuration, where two beams or crossbeams are positioned beneath the panel, providing a maximum of four connection points. This situation hinders the possibility of utilizing more connection points to provide a more uniform load distribution to resist the uplift and lateral forces caused by strong gusts of wind. The present mounting system addresses these and other deficiencies in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a solar panel assembly mounted to a support base is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A bottom-up perspective view of a solar panel assembly and supporting base.

[0009] Figure 3 Shown is a close up perspective view of the interior of a solar panel frame connected to a supporting base beam.

[0010] Figure 4 A top view of the base bracket is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 A front perspective view of the clamp is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A rear perspective view of the clamp is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 A front view of the clamp is shown in a relaxed state.

[0014] Figure 8 A front view of the clamp is shown in a compressed state.

[0015] Fig.9AA perspective view of the clamp is shown adjacent to the panel beam and base beam.

[0016] Fig. 9B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown proximate the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0017] Fig. 9C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown proximate the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0018] Fig. 10A A perspective view of the clamp partially engaged with the panel beam and base beam is shown.

[0019] Fig. 10B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown partially engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0020] Fig. 10C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown partially engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0021] Fig.11A A perspective view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the deck beam and base beam.

[0022] Fig. 11B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0023] Fig. 11C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0024] Fig. 12A A bottom perspective view of the clamp with an optional cable hanger is shown.

[0025] Fig. 12B A rear perspective view of the clamp with an optional cable hanger is shown.

[0026] Fig. 12C A bottom perspective view of a clamp supporting power cables while locking a solar panel assembly to a base assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for use in the installation of solar panels, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system for facilitating the attachment of a solar panel to a support member, including but not limited to a tube, an open beam, a cross beam, a plate, or the like. In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment includes a mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly. The mounting system has a panel support bracket, a base bracket, and a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The base bracket includes a pair of clamp slots and a pair of alignment stops.

[0028] The clamp includes a V-shaped clamp body including a pair of legs that are spring loaded to resist the approach of the legs due to an external compressive force. The clamp includes a pair of receiver slots, wherein each of the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The pair of receiver slots together provide a gap to allow entry of the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.

[0029] The clamp further includes a pair of locking protrusions, wherein each of the pair of locking protrusions is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. Each of the pair of locking protrusions is configured to be captured in a corresponding one of the pair of clamp grooves to lock the clamp in a fully engaged position on the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0030] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment relates to a clamp for connecting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly. The solar panel assembly has a panel frame that includes a panel support bracket, and the base assembly has a base bracket. In this embodiment, the clamp has a plurality of legs that are spring loaded to resist approach of the legs due to an external compressive force. The clamp also includes a pair of receiver slots, wherein each of the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The receiver slots provide a gap to allow the panel support bracket and the base bracket to enter the pair of receiver slots when the legs are compressed together. When the external compressive force is removed from the plurality of legs, the spring force of the clamp applies a compressive force between the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0031] In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment relates to a method of connecting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly using a spring-based clamp, the clamp having a V-shaped body having a pair of legs, each of the pair of legs including a receiver slot. In this embodiment, the method begins with the step of positioning a panel frame of the solar panel assembly on the base assembly. The method continues with the step of aligning a panel support bracket from the panel frame with a base bracket from the base assembly. Next, the method includes the step of applying an external compressive force to the legs of the clamp to increase the gap created by the receiver slot in the legs. The method continues with the step of advancing the clamp so that the panel support bracket and the base bracket are received in the receiver slot when the clamp is in a compressed state. The method ends with the step of releasing the external compressive force to allow the clamp to apply a compressive spring force to the panel support bracket and the base bracket through the receiver slot.

[0032] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 start, Figure 1 and Figure 21 shows a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a solar panel assembly 100 mounted to a base assembly 102 using a plurality of clamps 104. The solar panel assembly 100 includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel 106 attached to a panel frame 108. The panel frame 108 includes one or more panel beams 110 extending along at least one side of the PV panel 106. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment depicted in FIG, the panel frame 108 includes a pair of panel beams 110 extending along the length of the PV panel 106. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A single PV panel 106 is depicted in FIG. 1 , but it will be appreciated that multiple PV panels 106 may be supported by a single panel frame 108 or a portion of a single panel frame 108 . The panel frame 108 is suitable for supporting a wide variety of PV panels 106 .

[0033] The base assembly 102 includes one or more base supports 112 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base assembly 102 may be supported by or attached to a fixed structure (such as a roof, canopy, or ground mounted structure) or to an articulated support that adjusts the angular position of the solar panel assembly 100 to optimize the collection of light. For example, the base assembly 102 may be connected to a single axis tracker (SAT) that automatically or programmatically orients the solar panel assembly 100 relative to a light source.

[0034] Steering Figure 3 , Figure 3 1 shows an internal perspective view of a portion of the base assembly 102 and the solar panel assembly 100. The panel frame 108 includes a panel vertical wall 114 and a panel support bracket 116. The base support 112 includes a base vertical wall 118 and a base bracket 120. During installation, the panel frame 108 is positioned relative to the base assembly 102 so that the panel support bracket 116 is aligned with the base bracket 120. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 104 captures and secures the panel support bracket 116 to the base bracket 120. In many embodiments, the clamp 104, the panel beam 110, and the base support 112 are all made of a conductive metal.

[0035] like Figure 4, the base bracket 120 includes an alignment stop 122 and a clamp slot 124 that engages with the clamp 104. The alignment stop 122 extends downward from the base bracket 120. In some embodiments, the alignment stop 122 is formed during manufacturing by stamping and folding the portion of the base bracket 120 that is removed to create the clamp slot 124. In another embodiment, the alignment stop 122 and the clamp slot 124 can be produced on an existing base assembly 102 using a customized punch and die. FIG. 9B to FIG. 9C , FIG. 10B to FIG. 10C as well as FIG. 11B to FIG. 11C Additional views of the alignment stop are shown in .

[0036] Steering Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 and 2 are front and rear perspective views of the clamp 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp 104 is made of stamped spring grade steel sheet metal with corrosion resistance (e.g., stainless steel or zinc plating). The clamp 104 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, as well as metal alloys, ceramic composites, composite reinforced metals, plastics, etc. In one embodiment, the clamp 104 is made of a conductive metal to provide a ground path.

[0037] The clamp 104 includes a generally "V-shaped" clamp body 126 having two or more legs 128 extending at an oblique angle from a common vertex 130. Figure 8 , the thickness of the clamp body 126 and the material of manufacture allow the legs 128 to approach or compress toward each other. When the compressive force is removed, the spring energy stored in the clamp 104 forces the legs 128 to separate into a relaxed state. In some embodiments, when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state, the angle between the two legs 128 is between about 55 degrees and about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state, the legs 128 form an angle of about 60 degrees with the apex 130.

[0038] Each leg 128 has a receiver slot 132 extending from the front of the leg 128 to the interior portion of the leg 128. Figure 7As best shown in FIG. 1 , the receiver slots 132 are arranged in a generally normal or orthogonal relationship relative to the legs 128 such that when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state, the receiver slots 132 are angled downward in an oblique manner. Due to the angular arrangement of the legs 128 and the orientation of the receiver slots 132 within the legs 128, the receiver slots 132 collectively provide a first gap (C1) representing the height of a linear gap extending through the two receiver slots 132. When the legs 128 of the clamp 104 are brought together under the action of an external compressive force (e.g., Figure 8 ), the angular arrangement of the legs 128 and the receiver slots 132 is reduced to provide a second gap (C2) that is larger than the first gap C1. In some embodiments, the second gap (C2) is larger than the combined thickness of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120, while the first gap (C1) is smaller than the combined thickness (height) of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. In these embodiments, the clamp 104 cannot be introduced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 until the combined gap from the receiver slots 132 is increased by compressing the legs 128 together. When the compressive force is removed from the legs 128, the legs 128 are forced apart due to the spring force of the clamp 104, and the gap provided by the receiver slots 132 is reduced. Because the combined thickness of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 is greater than the clearance provided by the receiver slot 132 when the clamp 104 is in the relaxed state, the introduction of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 into the receiver slot 132 prevents the clamp 104 from returning to the relaxed state. In this way, the spring force of the clamp 104 exerts an outward force on the legs 128, which is transmitted through the receiver slot 132 as a compressive force that holds the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 together.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the receiver slots 132 includes a plurality of teeth 134. The serrated edges of the receiver slots 132 are configured to scrape the surfaces of both the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 to increase frictional resistance between the clamp 104 and the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. The teeth 134 also increase electrical conductivity between the clamp 104 and the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 by removing any non-conductive coating applied to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0040] Each leg 128 of the clamp 104 terminates in a foot 136. Figure 7As best shown in FIG. 1 , the feet 136 are angularly offset from the legs 128 such that the feet 136 extend in a generally vertical direction when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state. The vertical position of the feet 136 facilitates the use of pliers or other tools to compress the legs 128 of the clamp 104. In some embodiments, each foot 136 includes a slot or hole (not depicted) that is configured to receive a corresponding post or protrusion on a custom tool to facilitate engagement of the compression tool with the foot 136 of each leg 128.

[0041] The clamp 104 also includes a pair of locking tabs 138 extending outwardly from the legs 128. The locking tabs 138 have a thickness that is less than the width of the clamp slot 124 in the base bracket 120. During installation, the locking tabs 138 are initially retained between the alignment stops 122 to capture the clamp 104 in a compressed state. Once the clamp 104 is further advanced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120, the locking tabs 138 pass over the alignment stops 122 and the legs 128 are allowed to partially open, so that the locking tabs 138 are forced upward into the clamp slot 124. In this fully engaged position, the locking tabs 138 are captured in the clamp slot 124 to prevent the clamp 104 from being withdrawn from the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0042] 9-11 illustrate an exemplary method of mounting the clamp 104 to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. 9A to 9C Initially, the clamp 104 is laterally aligned with a series of alignment stops 122 on the base bracket 120. Once the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 have been aligned, the legs 128 of the clamp 104 are compressed together using an external compressive force generated by pliers, custom tools, or the installer's fingers.

[0043] like FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , once the legs 128 have been compressed to the extent that the locking tabs 138 will fit between the alignment stops 122, the clamp 104 is pushed forward so that the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 fit within the increased gap (C2) of the receiver slot 132. The advancement of the clamp 104 can be paused with the clamp in the partially engaged position while the locking tabs 138 are positioned between the alignment stops 122. The alignment stops 122 resist the outward spring force applied by the clamp 104 and can reduce or remove the compressive force applied to the feet 136. In this partially engaged position, the installer can verify that the clamp 104 is properly aligned relative to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0044] Next, if FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, the clamp 104 is advanced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. Once the locking protrusions 138 pass over the alignment stops 122, the legs 128 are allowed to partially expand outward and the locking protrusions 138 are captured within the clamp slots 124 of the base bracket 120. In this fully engaged position, the clamp 104 applies a compressive force to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 through the serrated receiver slots 132. The alignment stops 122 and the clamp slots 124 cooperate to prevent the locking protrusions 138 and the clamp 104 from being withdrawn from the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. In order to unlock and remove the clamp 104, the legs 128 must be compressed together so that the locking protrusions 138 can pass over the alignment stops 122 as the clamp 104 is withdrawn.

[0045] Steering FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C , FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C 1 are various depictions of embodiments in which the clamp 104 includes a cable hanger 140. The cable hanger 140 is configured as a wire loop that is retained in a hanger hole 142 in each leg 128 of the clamp 104. The cable hanger 140 is capable of supporting and organizing power cables routed below the PV panel 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable hanger 140 can be removed from the hanger hole 142 by squeezing the cable hanger 140 and removing the ends of the wire loop from the hanger hole 142.

[0046] Thus, the clamp 104, panel support bracket 116, and base bracket 120 collectively provide a "mounting system" that facilitates attachment of the solar panel assembly 100 to the base assembly 102. The mounting system provides several advantages over the common use of bolted fasteners: (1) a single clamp replaces the multiple parts required for bolted connections; (2) torque specifications are not necessary; (3) there is no need to align pre-formed bolt holes on the panel support bracket 116 and base bracket 120; (4) training and quality control requirements are greatly reduced; (5) maintenance costs are significantly reduced because the tightening of nuts and re-torque of loose bolts are eliminated; and (6) the clamp 104 can be pre-attached and shipped with the base bracket 120, providing logistical and ergonomic advantages not available in other systems. In addition, in most embodiments, the clamp 104 can be installed without the use of tools.

[0047] Importantly, although reference terms such as "horizontal" have been used in this disclosure, it should be understood that the mounting system is equally well suited for securing the solar panel assembly 100 to the base assembly 102 in non-horizontal applications. For example, the clamp 104 can be used to secure the PV panel 106 to a vertically oriented base assembly 102. Although the figures of the "panel support bracket" and the "base bracket" are depicted in a horizontal orientation, it should be understood that the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 can be used in non-horizontal configurations. It should also be understood that the clamp 104 and other components of the mounting system can be used to connect and assemble structural members used in applications other than supporting solar panels. For example, the clamp 104 can be used to connect structural members within the base of an appliance or to assist in the assembly of a metal building.

[0048] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the application of the details of the methods and devices described in the following description. The present disclosure can have other embodiments or can be practiced or executed in various ways. Thus, the language used herein is intended to give the widest possible scope and meaning; and the embodiments are intended to be exemplary, not exhaustive. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive unless otherwise stated. In addition, in the detailed description below, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, features known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary complication of the description.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific terms and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0050] All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the technical level of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications cited in any part of this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference, to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was expressly and individually indicated as being incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms as used in accordance with the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0052] When used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and / or the specification, the use of the word "a" or "an" may mean "one", but the word "a" or "an" is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one" and "one or more than one". The term "or" used in the claims is used to mean "and / or", unless it is explicitly indicated to refer only to alternatives or to mutually exclusive alternatives, but the present disclosure supports the limitation of only referring to alternatives and "and / or". The use of the term "at least one" will be understood to include any number of one and more than one, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 or any integer contained therein. The term "at least one" can be expanded to up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the number of 100 / 1000 should not be regarded as limiting, as higher limits can also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term “at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0053] As used herein, unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, all numerical values ​​or ranges (e.g., lengths in units such as micrometers or millimeters) include values ​​and integers with decimals within the range and integers with decimals within the range. Therefore, for illustration, reference to numerical ranges, such as 1 to 10 include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., and the like. Therefore, reference to a range of 1 to 50 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, etc., up to and including 50, and 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc., and the like. A series of ranges of reference includes a range combining the boundary values ​​of different ranges within the series. Thus, for purposes of illustration, a reference to a series of ranges, for example, ranges of 1 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 75, 75 to 100, 100 to 150, 150 to 200, 200 to 250, 250 to 300, 300 to 400, 400 to 500, 500 to 750, 750 to 1000 include, for example, ranges of 1 to 20, 10 to 50, 50 to 100, 100 to 500, and 500 to 1000. For example, a reference to a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm is intended to expressly include all units of measurement within that range.

[0054] As used herein, the words "comprising" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any forms thereof, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any forms thereof, such as "includes" and "include"), or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended, and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0055] As used herein, the term "or combinations thereof" refers to all permutations and combinations of the items listed before the term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if the order is important in the particular context, also includes BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, explicitly included are combinations containing repetitions of one or more items or terms, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless obvious from the context, there is generally no limit to the number of items or terms in any combination.

[0056] Throughout this application, the term "about" or "approximately" is used to indicate that the value includes the inherent variation of error. In addition, in this detailed description, each numerical value (such as thickness, length, temperature or time) should be understood as being modified once by the term "about" (unless it has been explicitly modified as such), and then understood again as not being so modified, unless otherwise clearly stated in the context. As described above, any range listed or described herein is intended to implicitly or explicitly include any number within the range, especially all integers including the endpoints, and any range listed or described herein should be considered to have been stated as such. For example, "a range from 1 to 10" should be understood to mean every possible number along the continuous region between about 1 and about 10, especially integers. Therefore, even if a specific data point within the range or even no data point within the range is explicitly expressed or specifically mentioned, it should be understood that any data point within the range should be considered to have been clearly specified, and the inventor has the knowledge of the entire range and the points within the range. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about" or "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, length, thickness, duration, etc., are meant to encompass, for example, variations of ±20% or ±10%, or ±5%, or ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are suitable for performing the disclosed methods and as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation that occurs completely, or a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation that occurs to a large extent. For example, the term "substantially" refers to a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation that has a chance of occurring of at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or refers to a size or measurement value that is within at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% of a reference size or measurement value (e.g., length or thickness).

[0058] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0059] First, it should be understood that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments is provided below, the system and / or method of the present disclosure can be implemented using any number of technologies, whether currently known or existing. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and technologies shown below, including the exemplary designs and implementations shown and described herein, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp for connecting a structure to a support, the clamp comprising: at least two legs configured to move between a first compressed configuration in which the at least two legs are pressed toward each other and a second engaged configuration; a plurality of receiver slots, each receiver slot of the plurality of receiver slots being formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs, wherein the plurality of receiver slots are configured to receive a portion of the structure and a portion of the bracket in the plurality of receiver slots, wherein a linear void extends through the plurality of receiver slots for receiving the portion of the structure and the portion of the bracket, wherein the linear void has a first gap within the plurality of receiver slots in the first compressed configuration and a second gap within the plurality of receiver slots in the second engaged configuration, wherein the first gap in the first compressed configuration is larger than the second gap in the second engaged configuration, wherein the clamp is configured to approximate the structure and the bracket when the at least two legs are moved toward the second engaged configuration; and A plurality of locking protrusions, each of the plurality of locking protrusions is formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs and extends outwardly from the corresponding one of the legs, the locking protrusions being configured to engage with a plurality of clamp grooves formed in the bracket, wherein engagement of the plurality of locking protrusions with the plurality of clamp grooves prevents lateral movement of the clamp.

2. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of alignment stops formed in the bracket, wherein: The plurality of locking tabs are configured to be captured between the alignment stops when the clamp is in a partially engaged position.

3. The clamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of receiver slots includes a plurality of teeth, and the plurality of teeth are configured to scrape the structure and the bracket.

4. The clamp according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cable hanger supported by a plurality of hanger holes, each of the plurality of hanger holes being formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs.

5. The clamp according to claim 4, wherein: The cable hanger is configured to support a cable.

6. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The support is part of a base assembly, and wherein the structure is part of a solar panel assembly.

7. The clamp according to claim 1, further comprising at least two feet, each of the at least two feet extending from a corresponding one of the at least two legs, wherein When the clamp is in a relaxed configuration, the at least two feet extend generally parallel to each other.

8. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of locking protrusions is configured to extend outwardly from one of the at least two legs from an edge of a receiver slot formed in the one of the at least two legs.

9. A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly, the mounting system comprising: a panel support structure of the solar panel assembly; a bracket of the base assembly, the bracket including a plurality of clamp slots; as well as a fixture configured to access the panel support structure and the bracket, the fixture comprising: at least two legs configured to move between a first compressed configuration in which the at least two legs are pressed toward each other and a second engaged configuration; a plurality of receiver slots, each of the plurality of receiver slots being formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs, wherein the plurality of receiver slots are configured to receive a portion of the panel support structure and a portion of the bracket therein, wherein a linear gap extends through the plurality of receiver slots for receiving the portion of the panel support structure and the portion of the bracket, wherein the linear gap has a first gap within the plurality of receiver slots in the first compressed configuration and a second gap within the plurality of receiver slots in the second engaged configuration, wherein the first gap in the first compressed configuration is larger than the second gap in the second engaged configuration, and wherein the clamp is configured to approach the panel support structure and the bracket when the at least two legs are moved toward the second engaged configuration; and A plurality of locking protrusions, each of the plurality of locking protrusions is formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs and extends outwardly from the corresponding one of the legs, the locking protrusions being configured to engage with the plurality of clamp grooves formed in the bracket, wherein engagement of the plurality of locking protrusions with the plurality of clamp grooves prevents lateral movement of the clamp.

10. The mounting system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of alignment stops formed in the bracket, wherein: The plurality of locking tabs are configured to be captured between the alignment stops when the clamp is in a partially engaged position.

11. A mounting system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of receiver slots includes a plurality of teeth.

12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of teeth are configured to scrape the structure and the bracket.

13. The mounting system of claim 9 or 10, further comprising a cable hanger supported by a plurality of hanger holes, each hanger hole of the plurality of hanger holes being formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs.

14. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein: The cable hanger is configured to support a cable.

15. A mounting system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The clamp includes a V-shaped clamp body.

16. The mounting system of claim 9, further comprising at least two feet, each of the at least two feet extending from a corresponding one of the at least two legs, wherein When the clamp is in a relaxed configuration, the at least two feet extend generally parallel to each other.

17. The mounting system of claim 9, wherein: Each of the plurality of locking protrusions is configured to extend outwardly from one of the at least two legs from an edge of a receiver slot formed in the one of the at least two legs.

18. A method of attaching a structure to a support using a clamp, the method comprising: applying an external force to at least two legs of the clamp to compress the at least two legs toward each other to increase the clearance of a linear gap extending through a plurality of receiver slots for receiving a portion of the structure and a portion of the bracket, wherein each of the plurality of receiver slots is formed in a corresponding one of the at least two legs; receiving the portion of the structure and the portion of the bracket in the plurality of receiver slots; removing the external force applied to the at least two legs to move the legs apart and reduce the gap of the linear gap and access the portion of the structure and the portion of the bracket; and A plurality of locking protrusions formed in and extending outwardly from the at least two legs are engaged with a plurality of clamp grooves formed in the bracket to prevent lateral movement of the clamp.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising capturing the plurality of locking tabs when the clamp is in the partially engaged position, the plurality of locking tabs having a plurality of alignment stops formed in the bracket.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising scraping a surface of the structure and a surface of the bracket using a plurality of teeth of the receiver slot.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising supporting a cable using the bracket.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The support is part of a base assembly, and wherein the structure is part of a solar panel assembly.

23. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The clamp includes a V-shaped clamp body.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein: Removing the external force applied to the at least two legs applies a compressive force to the portion of the structure and the portion of the support.

25. The method of claim 18, wherein: Each of the plurality of locking protrusions is configured to extend outwardly from one of the at least two legs from an edge of a receiver slot formed in the one of the at least two legs.

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