Solar cable retention and routing component

Abstract

A solar cable holding and wiring component (solar hanger) device for wiring objects on a support structure is disclosed. The solar hanger includes a hanger portion and a padding portion. The hanger portion is configured to engage with the support structure and defines a bracket portion configured to support an object (e.g., a cable). The padding portion includes a cover portion and at least one holding portion, the cover portion being formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion, and the holding portion extending from the cover portion and configured to hold the object in the bracket portion.

Description

By referencing the merging

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 750,900, filed January 29, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field This disclosure relates to a solar cable holding and wiring component. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic systems are widely used for power generation. Such systems typically consist of one or more photovoltaic panels, commonly referred to as solar panels, mounted on a supporting structure. In various applications, the solar panels can be fixed in place on the supporting structure, while in other applications, the supporting structure can incorporate a solar tracker to orient the panels toward the sun. An example solar tracker supporting structure typically includes one or more column supports and a torque tube rotatably mounted on the column supports, to which the solar panels are attached. The rotation of the torque tube helps orient the solar panels.

[0003] In a typical photovoltaic (PV) system installation, the electrical output of the solar panels is transmitted to the power grid or an energy storage device such as a battery via one or more cables. These cables (which may include PV cables, solar panel cables, or wire harness strings) are routed, secured, supported, and / or connected to the support structure of the PV system using wiring components.

[0004] A common wiring component is the cable hanger, typically made of bent metal wire or bent wire rods. These cable hangers are generally characterized by a hook structure for attaching to the solar mounting frame and a cable support saddle for receiving the cable. Conventional cable hangers may lack sufficient options in their cable support openings to securely hold and / or retain the cable within the opening during installation. This deficiency can cause the cable to detach from the opening during activities involving adding or removing cables. Conventional cable hangers may also lack sufficient options in their cable support openings to securely hold and / or retain the cable within the opening during use. For example, when the torque tube and the cable hanger attached to it rotate, the cable may fall out of the opening. Furthermore, the hook structure of existing cable hangers may not be configured for optimal alignment with the desired cable route. This can lead to misalignment of the cable hanger on the support structure, potentially affecting the efficiency or neatness of cable routing.

[0005] Therefore, improvements to the wiring components of photovoltaic systems are still needed to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of existing solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This document describes techniques and apparatus for solar cable holding and wiring components. One general aspect includes an apparatus comprising a hanger portion configured to engage a support structure. The hanger portion defines a bracket portion configured to receive and support an object. The apparatus includes a padding portion comprising a cover portion and at least one holding portion, the cover portion being formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion, and the holding portion extending from the cover portion and configured to hold an object within the bracket portion.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of techniques and apparatus for solar cable holding and wiring components, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following figures illustrate details of one or more embodiments of the technology and apparatus for holding and wiring solar cables.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the solar cable holding and wiring components (solar hanger).

[0010] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first solar panel mounting bracket.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the first solar panel hanger.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top view of the first solar panel mounting bracket.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 First side view of the first solar panel hanger.

[0014] Figure 5A It is along Figure 5 Sectional view along centerline 5A-5A.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the second solar panel mounting bracket.

[0016] Figure 7 This is the first side view of the third solar panel.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a front view of the fourth solar panel.

[0018] Figures 9A to 9E It shows the use of Figure 2The rotation sequence during the first solar panel hanger.

[0019] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the technology and apparatus for holding and wiring solar cables is with reference to the accompanying drawings. In specific embodiments, the numbers (e.g., tracking query number) at the beginning of one or more reference numerals may be associated with the first reference numeral. For example, reference numerals beginning with 2 (e.g., solar hanger 200, padding portion 240) may indicate the first reference to... Figure 2 Follow the details shown in the query. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in different figures may identify the same or similar features, elements, and / or parts. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This document describes improved techniques and implementation methods for solar cable holding and wiring components, each also referred to as a "solar hanger". It describes solar hangers, their manufacturing techniques, and the techniques for using them. The various aspects described herein address technical problems related to the wiring, securing, and / or connection of objects (e.g., cables) to support structures, such as the support structures of a photovoltaic system (e.g., one or more of column supports, torque tubes, mounting brackets, etc.).

[0021] In one example, a solar cable holding and wiring component (solar hanger) is a device including a hanger portion configured to engage with a support structure. The hanger portion defines a bracket portion configured to receive and support an object. The device includes a padding portion including a cover portion and at least one holding portion, the cover portion being formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion, and the holding portion extending from the cover portion and configured to hold an object within the bracket portion.

[0022] The disclosed solar panel mounting system simplifies the installation and wiring of objects (e.g., cables) to the supporting structure. For example, in use, installers can attach the hook portion of the solar panel mounting system to the supporting structure of the photovoltaic system, and the solar panel mounting system is secured in place by gravity. This operation allows for rapid installation. In various aspects, the disclosed solar panel mounting system also facilitates the safe holding of objects within the bracket during installation and use.

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a solar cable holding and wiring component 100 (solar hanger 100). As described herein, the solar hanger 100 may have specific applications in the energy and utility market 106 (e.g., wiring and support for bundled objects in photovoltaic systems). While this disclosure (including the accompanying drawings) relates to these markets, the solar hanger 100 may also be applied to bundled objects in other markets, including but not limited to the industrial and manufacturing market 102, the healthcare market 104, the consumer and commercial market 108, the telecommunications and data infrastructure market 110, and / or the transportation market 112.

[0024] The industrial and manufacturing market 102 includes industrial automation and equipment, control panels, machine making, machinery, electrical enclosures, material handling systems (e.g., conveyors), cooling systems, heavy equipment (e.g., construction and mining machinery), agricultural technology (e.g., agricultural equipment), chemicals (e.g., chemical processing equipment), robotics (e.g., automated robotic systems), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machine parts, and machine systems. The healthcare market 104 includes medical devices and technologies, as well as dental devices and technologies. The energy and utility market 106 includes renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels, solar cell arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators), power generation and distribution, industrial lighting, and commercial lighting. The energy and utility market 106 also includes photovoltaic systems, which include one or more photovoltaic panels (e.g., solar panels) mounted on a supporting structure, wherein the electrical output of the solar panels is transmitted to the power grid or an electrical storage device (e.g., a battery) via one or more cables (photovoltaic cables).

[0025] The consumer and commercial market 108 includes electrical appliances (e.g., household and commercial appliances), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and consumer electronics. The telecommunications and data infrastructure market 110 includes telecommunications (e.g., general telecommunications services), communications (e.g., communications systems and equipment), internet service providers (ISPs), cable television companies (CATV), data storage and processing infrastructure (e.g., data centers), broadband (e.g., broadband internet services), and data communications (e.g., data communications equipment). The transportation market 112 includes the manufacture and components for vehicles, trucks, automobiles, rail transport vehicles (e.g., trains), ships (e.g., vessels), aircraft, and aerospace.

[0026] Now for reference Figures 2 to 5A The second solar cable holding and wiring component 200 (solar hanger 200) is shown in these figures. Figure 2 This is a front view of the solar panel 200. Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the 300 solar panel mount. Figure 4 This is a top view of the Solar Hanger 400. Figure 5 This is the first side view of the Solar Hanger 500. Figure 5A It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of the solar panel 200 along centerline 5A-5A. Except as described in detail below, the solar panel 200 is similar to... Figure 1 The solar panel 100 shown and described above.

[0027] Solar hanger 200 includes hanger portion 210 configured to engage with a support structure (e.g., Figure 2 And the support structure 202 shown in Figure 9, Figure 7 (See support structure 702 shown). In this manner, the solar hanger 200 can be suspended from the support structure via hanger portion 210. As used herein, the term "suspended" refers to the contact between hanger portion 210 and support structure 202. For example, hanger portion 210 may cover (hang) on ​​the support structure, be inserted into an opening in the support structure, or otherwise connect to, attach to, and / or engage with the support structure. As used herein, the term "support structure" refers to machinery, cabinets, housings, frames, frame rails, enclosures, vehicle chassis, panels, tracks, support beams, cable routing channels, conveyor channel components, workpieces, etc. In one example, the support structure of a photovoltaic system may include one or more column supports, torque tubes, mounting brackets, etc. The support structure may include mounting surfaces and / or mounting openings (e.g., slots, channels, holes, threaded holes), etc., defined in the support structure. Figure 2 In the middle, the support structure 202 is the torque tube of the photovoltaic system, and the hook part 312 of the solar hanger 200 hooks and hangs on it.

[0028] The hanger portion 210 of the solar panel mount 200 defines a bracket portion 220 configured to support an object 290. The hanger portion 210 provides support strength for holding one or more objects 290 in place and supporting the weight of the objects. The bracket portion 220 includes a channel 222 for receiving one or more objects 290. The bracket portion 220 defines an opening 224 oriented to receive one or more objects 290 into the channel 222. As used herein, the term "object" refers to objects of all types and forms, including cables, wires, hydraulic lines, pneumatic lines, hoses, optical fibers, conduits, pipes, tubing, and bundles of one or more of these objects.

[0029] The solar panel hanger 200 includes a padding portion 240 configured to pad and / or cover at least a portion of a bracket portion 220 to support and / or space one or more objects 290 from the bracket portion 220. The padding portion 240 may include a layer formed (e.g., conformally formed) along at least a portion of the bracket portion 220. The padding portion 240 is configured to distribute the weight of one or more objects 290 over a larger surface area. In this way, the objects (e.g., insulation layers on the objects) can be protected from abrasion damage.

[0030] The hanger portion 210 can be formed from a suitable metal substrate, and the padding portion 240 can be formed from a suitable polymer material. In some aspects, including Figures 2 to 5A In the aspects shown, the padding portion 240 is molded onto the bracket portion 220 by a molding process (e.g., insert molding, overlay molding), as described herein. In other aspects, see the following references. Figure 8 As shown and described, the padding portion 840 is formed separately (e.g., molded) from the bracket portion (e.g., bracket portion 820) and configured to be attached to the bracket portion 820.

[0031] The padding portion 240 includes a cover portion 242 formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion 220 and configured to cover the bracket portion 220. The padding portion 240 includes at least one retaining portion (holding portion) 250 extending from the cover portion 242. The retaining portion 250 is configured to retain one or more objects 290 in the bracket portion 220. The retaining portion 250 extends out of the padding portion 240 to cover at least a portion of the opening 224, thereby retaining one or more objects 290 in the bracket portion 220.

[0032] like Figure 5A As shown, the bracket portion 220 extends through a portion of the padding portion 240 and includes a base portion 530 and a first arm 532 spaced apart from the second arm 534 (e.g., through the base portion 530). The first arm 532 and the second arm 534 may extend upward in a direction away from the base 530 and may extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0033] The retainer portion 250 includes at least one protrusion extending from the padding portion 240. For example, the retainer portion 250 may include at least one of a first protrusion 252 or a second protrusion 254, the first protrusion 252 extending from the padding portion 240 and spaced apart from a first arm 532, and the second protrusion 254 extending from the padding portion 240 and spaced apart from a second arm 534. At least one of the first protrusion 252 or the second protrusion 254 is flexible (e.g., elastic). The first protrusion 252 terminates at a first end 256 opposite to the padding portion 240, and the second protrusion 254 terminates at a second end 258 opposite to the padding portion 240. The first end 256 and the second end 258 are spaced apart.

[0034] One or more protrusions 252, 254 (e.g., a first end 256 of protrusion 252 and a second end 258 of protrusion 254) may be spaced apart to define an entrance 253 of channel 222. The width of the entrance may be narrower than the diameter of one or more objects 290. One or more protrusions are configured to be curved to allow one or more objects 290 to pass through the entrance 253 and enter channel 222. Solar hanger 200 may be configured to allow one or more objects 290 to be removed from channel 222 through entrance 253 by applying manual force to widen entrance 253, and to allow one or more objects 290 to pass through entrance 253 and exit channel 222. A first protrusion 252 may extend from padding portion 240 at an angle to the plane of first arm 532, and / or a second protrusion 254 may extend from padding portion 240 at an angle to the plane of second arm 534.

[0035] Channel 222 can be configured for gravity-fed loading, wherein the solar hanger 200 is oriented on the support structure 202 such that the opening of channel 222 faces upward (e.g., Figure 2 (The upward orientation is shown). In the upward orientation, when one or more objects 290 are loaded into channel 222 (e.g., through inlet 253), gravity can hold the objects 290 within channel 222. Reference also is made below. Figure 9A An upward orientation is shown and described.

[0036] When one or more objects 290 are inserted into the channel 222 through the inlet 253, one or more protrusions 252, 254 can bend to allow the object 290 to pass through the inlet 253. As the object 290 passes through the inlet 253, the protrusions 252, 254 can elastically return to their original shape. In this way, when the object 290 is inserted through the inlet 253, the object 290 is held in the channel 222.

[0037] The hanger portion 210 may include a hook portion 312 configured to engage with the support structure 202. In various aspects, the hook portion 312 is oriented perpendicular to the bracket portion 220, for example, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown. In this way, the solar hanger 200 can correctly align one or more objects 290 held in the channel 222 with the desired direction of travel. The hook portion 312 may include a curved (curved) top portion 514. In other respects, the hook portion 312 may be U-shaped, circular, or other shapes, for example... Figure 7 The flat top portion 714 shown and described below. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the hook portion 312 can be centered on the bracket portion 220. The bracket portion 220 can be curved, such as... Figure 2 and 5A As shown. The hook portion 312 defines a first end 316 opposite to the second end 218. The first end 316 is configured to engage the support structure 202, while the second end 218 is configured to support the bracket portion 220 at the first arm 532.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 6 Another solar cable holding and wiring component 600 (solar hanger 600) is shown as being with Figure 5A A cross-sectional view similar to that of the solar hanger 600. Except as described in detail below, the solar hanger 600 is similar to... Figures 2 to 5A The solar panel 600 is shown in the diagram and described above. Therefore, the solar panel 600 includes a hanger portion 610, a hook portion 612, a bracket portion 620, a channel 622, a base portion 630, a first arm 632, a second arm 634, a padding portion 640, a cover portion 642, a holding portion 650, a first protrusion 652, and a second protrusion 654. Figure 6In the illustrated aspect, the bracket portion 620 extends through a portion of the padding portion 640, but the second arm 634 terminates at end 636, with the padding portion 640 extending beyond the end 636 of the second arm 636. In this way, by reducing the length of the hanger portion 610, the manufacturing cost of the solar hanger 600 can be reduced. In various aspects, the padding portion 640 may be formed separately from the bracket portion 620 (e.g., molded) and configured to attach to the bracket portion 620. For example, the padding portion may define a groove conforming to the shape of the bracket portion. In this way, the bracket portion can snap into or slide into the groove to attach the padding portion to the hanger portion. In various aspects, the bracket portion may snap into or slide into the groove from the side or from below.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 7 This shows another solar cable holding and wiring component 700 (solar hanger 700). Except as described in detail below, the solar hanger 700 is similar to... Figures 2 to 5A The solar panel 700 is shown and described above. Therefore, the solar panel 700 includes a hanger portion 710, a hook portion 712, a bracket portion 720 including a channel, and a padding portion 740. The hook portion 712 may include a flat top portion 714. In other aspects, the hook portion 712 may be curved, U-shaped, circular, or other shapes. Figure 7 In the illustration, object 790 is shown within a channel of bracket portion 720. Pad portion 740 includes a strip connector 760 defining a strip pass-through portion 762 configured to receive a strip 794 (e.g., cable tie) to secure object 790 in the channel to bracket portion 720. In this manner, strip 794 can be used to tighten object 790, firmly holding it within the channel of bracket portion 720. Hanger portion 710 is configured to engage with a support structure (e.g., support structure 702). In this illustration, solar hanger 700 is suspended from support structure 702 by hanger portion 710 through insertion into mounting holes 704 defined in support structure 704 (e.g., an opening or other hole extending through a portion of the surface of a component).

[0040] Now for reference Figure 8 This shows another solar cable holding and wiring component 800 (solar hanger 800). Except as described in detail below, the solar hanger 800 is similar to... Figures 2 to 5AThe solar panel 800 is shown in the diagram and described above. Therefore, the solar panel 800 includes a hanger portion 810, a bracket portion 820, a base portion 830, a first arm 832, a second arm 834, a padding portion 840, and a cover portion 842. The padding portion 840 is formed separately from the bracket portion 820 (e.g., molded) and configured to attach to the bracket portion 820. For example, the padding portion 840 may define a recess 880 that conforms to the shape of the bracket portion 820. Thus, the bracket portion 820 can engage or slide into the recess 880 to attach the padding portion 840 to the hanger portion 810. In various aspects, the bracket portion 820 can engage or slide into the recess 880 from the side or from below.

[0041] Figures 9A to 9E It shows in Figure 2 An example of the rotation sequence during installation of the solar panel hanger 200 is shown, for example, where the support structure 202 is a torque tube rotatably mounted on a column support of the photovoltaic system, to which the solar panel is attached. In this configuration, rotation of the torque tube helps orient the solar panel; however, rotation of the attached solar cable holders and wiring components (e.g., during installation, or during operation, when the torque tube rotates) may cause the cables to fall from the brackets of the solar cable holders and wiring components.

[0042] Figure 9A This shows an upward orientation, which is also mentioned above regarding... Figure 2 As shown and described, channel 222 is configured for gravity-fed loading, wherein the solar hanger 200 is oriented on the support structure 202 such that the opening of channel 222 faces upward. In this upward orientation, when one or more objects 290 are loaded into channel 222 (e.g., through inlet 253), gravity can hold the objects 290 within channel 222. As the torque tube rotates, the opening of channel 222 can be transformed... Figure 9B upward tilt orientation, Figure 9C Lateral orientation, Figure 9D downward tilt orientation and Figure 9E The orientation is downward. In these other orientations, the holding portion 250 (e.g., Figure 2 The first prominent part 252, Figure 2 The second protrusion 254) can restrict the movement of (one or more) objects 290 to keep (one or more) objects 290 within the channel 222.

[0043] Some other examples of technologies and equipment for solar cable holding and wiring components are as follows:

[0044] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: a hanger portion configured to engage with a support structure, the hanger portion defining a bracket portion configured to support an object; and a padding portion including a cover portion and at least one retaining portion, the cover portion being formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion, the retaining portion extending from the cover portion and configured to retain an object in the bracket portion.

[0045] Example 2. The device according to Example 1, wherein the bracket portion includes a channel for receiving an object, and the bracket portion defines an opening oriented to receive the object into the channel.

[0046] Example 3. The device according to Example 2, wherein the holding portion extends out of the padding portion to cover at least a portion of the opening, thereby holding the object in the bracket portion.

[0047] Example 4. The device according to Example 1, wherein: the bracket portion further includes a first arm spaced apart from the second arm, and the retainer portion includes at least one of the following: a first protrusion extending from the padding portion and spaced apart from the first arm; or a second protrusion extending from the padding portion and spaced apart from the second arm.

[0048] Example 5. The device according to Example 4, wherein at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is flexible.

[0049] Example 6. The device according to Example 1, wherein the hanger portion is configured to engage with the support structure via a hook portion, and the hook portion is oriented perpendicular to the bracket portion.

[0050] Example 7. The device according to Example 6, wherein the hook portion includes at least one of the following: a flat top portion, and the bracket portion is curved; or The top section is curved, and the bracket section is also curved.

[0051] Example 8. The device according to Example 6, wherein the hook portion is located at the center of the bracket portion.

[0052] Example 9. The device according to Example 1, wherein: the bracket portion further includes a base portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced apart from the second arm; and the retainer portion further includes a first protrusion extending from the padding portion spaced apart from the first arm.

[0053] Example 10. The device according to Example 9, wherein the hanger portion is configured to engage with a support structure via a hook portion defining a first end opposite a second end, the first end being configured to engage with the support structure, and the second end being configured to support the bracket portion at the first arm.

[0054] Example 11. The device according to Example 9, wherein the second arm terminates at an end, and the padding portion extends beyond the end of the second arm.

[0055] Example 12. The device according to Example 9, wherein the holding portion further includes a second protrusion extending from the padding portion and the second arm spaced apart, the first protrusion terminating at a first end opposite to the padding portion, the second protrusion terminating at a second end opposite to the padding portion, and the first end and the second end being spaced apart.

[0056] Example 13. The device according to Example 9, wherein the holding portion further includes a second protrusion that extends from the padding portion and the second arm spaced apart, the first protrusion extending from the padding portion at an angle to the plane of the first arm, and the second protrusion extending from the padding portion at an angle to the plane of the second arm.

[0057] Example 14. The device according to Example 1, wherein the bracket portion includes a base portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being spaced apart.

[0058] Example 15. The device according to Example 14, wherein the holding portion further includes: a first protrusion extending from the first arm; and a second protrusion extending from the second arm.

[0059] Example 16. The device according to Example 14, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend upward in a direction away from the base portion and are substantially parallel to each other.

[0060] Example 17. The device according to Example 1, wherein the hanger portion comprises a metal substrate and the padding portion comprises a polymer material.

[0061] Example 18. The device according to Example 17, wherein the padding portion is molded onto the hanger portion.

[0062] Example 19. The device according to Example 17, wherein the padding portion is configured to snap onto the hanger portion.

[0063] Example 20. The device according to Example 1, wherein the bracket portion includes a channel for receiving an object, and the padding portion includes a strip connector configured to receive a strip to secure an object in the channel to the bracket portion.

[0064] One or more components of the disclosed solar hanger (e.g., hanger portion, bracket portion, pad portion) can be integrally formed from (one or more) suitable materials using suitable manufacturing techniques. The term "integral formation" is used in this disclosure to describe elements formed as a single (monolithic) piece that cannot be separated from each other without causing permanent structural damage to that piece. Suitable manufacturing techniques may include one or more of injection molding processes, insert molding processes, overmolding processes, additive manufacturing processes (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM) processes, 3D printing processes), or other suitable processes. In an example injection molding process (e.g., multiple injection molding process), heated molten material is pressed into a mold cavity to form the desired shape. In an example insert molding process, after a pre-formed part (e.g., an insert) is placed within the mold cavity, molten material is forced into the mold cavity and molded around the insert. In an example overmolding process, polymer material is injected into a mold cavity, at least a portion of a substrate is located within the mold cavity, and the polymer material is overmolded onto at least a portion of the substrate. Overmolding processes can be multi-material molding processes (e.g., multiple injection molding processes), in which a substrate is first molded, the injection molding cavity of the substrate mold is changed or the substrate is moved to a second mold, and then a polymer material (e.g., the same polymer material, different polymer materials) is injected into the mold to bond to at least a portion of the substrate and form a molded part. As used herein, the term “overmolding” includes overmolding onto and / or overmolding into. In exemplary additive manufacturing processes, three-dimensional (3D) objects are formed by depositing material layer by layer. In embodiments, one or more components of the disclosed solar hanger (e.g., hanger portion, bracket portion, padding portion) may be assembled from individual components and fixed together by welding, solvents, adhesives, etc.

[0065] Components of the solar hanger can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metals (e.g., metal substrates), ceramics, polymers (e.g., polymeric materials), and / or composite materials. One or more portions of the disclosed solar hanger can be formed of the same material as other portions or of a different material than other portions.

[0066] Suitable polymeric materials may include polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryl ether ketone (PAEK), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), UV-stabilized polyacetal (POMUV), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), crosslinked thermoplastics, partially crosslinked thermoplastics, high-temperature resins, UV-resistant resins, one or more of other thermoplastics, acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), crosslinked thermoplastics, partially crosslinked thermoplastics, high-temperature resins, UV-resistant resins, other thermoplastic materials, and their copolymers, blends or alloys, as well as fiber-reinforced materials. Suitable polymeric materials may include one or more additives (e.g., heat stabilizers (such as copper iodide), impact modifiers (such as polyolefins, polyurethanes, and rubber), UV stabilizers (such as carbon black and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS)), flame retardants (such as nitrogen-based halogen-free flame retardants, melamine cyanurate, melamine borate, and ammonium polyphosphate), colorants, etc.). The polymeric material can be abrasion-resistant.

[0067] Suitable metal substrates can be formed through appropriate processes, including one or more of machining, stamping, die casting, and forging. The surface of suitable metal substrates can be prepared through appropriate processes to bond with polymer materials, including one or more of cleaning, degreasing, chemical etching, plasma treatment, sandblasting, or applying a chemical coating. Suitable metal substrates include aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, brass alloys, copper alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, and their alloys. In all aspects, the metal substrate is corrosion-resistant.

[0068] Unless the context otherwise requires, the words or phrases used herein may be considered as including or applying terms that allow the inclusion or application of one or more items linked by the words or phrases (e.g., the phrase "A or B" may be interpreted as allowing only "A", only "B", or both "A" and "B"). Furthermore, as used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of..." means any combination of those items, including single elements. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination having multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other order of a, b, and c). Additionally, items represented in the figures and terms discussed herein may refer to one or more items or terms, and therefore the single or plural forms of items and terms in this disclosure may be used interchangeably.

[0069] In the descriptions of various aspects of solar panel hangers, the designations such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different descriptive objects and do not restrict the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. For example, "first arm" can refer to one or more "arms." Furthermore, objects modified by different designations may be the same or different objects. For instance, if the described object is an "arm," then "first arm" and "second arm" can be the same or different arms.

[0070] In various aspects, the technology and apparatus for solar cable holding and wiring components may include one or more features of the technology and apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein. Although embodiments of the technology and apparatus for solar cable holding and wiring components have been described in language specific to certain features and / or methods, the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments of the technology and apparatus for solar cable holding and wiring components.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: The hanger portion is configured to engage with a support structure, and the hanger portion defines a bracket portion configured to support an object; as well as The padding portion includes a cover portion and at least one retaining portion, the cover portion being formed on at least a portion of the bracket portion, and the retaining portion extending from the cover portion and configured to retain the object in the bracket portion.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket portion includes a channel for receiving the object, and the bracket portion defines an opening oriented to receive the object into the channel.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The holding portion extends beyond the padding portion to cover at least a portion of the opening, thereby holding the object in the bracket portion.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket portion also includes a first arm spaced apart from the second arm, and The holding component includes at least one of the following: A first protrusion extends from the padding portion and is spaced apart from the first arm; or The second protrusion extends from the padding portion and is spaced apart from the second arm.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one of the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion is flexible.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hanger portion is configured to engage with the support structure via a hook portion, and the hook portion is oriented perpendicular to the bracket portion.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hook portion includes at least one of the following: The top portion is flat, and the bracket portion is curved; or The top portion is curved, and the bracket portion is also curved.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hook portion is centered on the bracket portion.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket portion further includes a base portion, a first arm, and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being spaced apart; and The retainer portion also includes a first protrusion that extends from the padding portion and spaced apart from the first arm.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hanger portion is configured to engage with the support structure via a hook portion defining a first end opposite a second end, the first end being configured to engage with the support structure, and the second end being configured to support the bracket portion at the first arm.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second arm terminates at an end, and the padding portion extends beyond the end of the second arm.

12. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The retainer portion further includes a second protrusion extending from the padding portion and the second arm spaced apart, the first protrusion terminating at a first end opposite to the padding portion, the second protrusion terminating at a second end opposite to the padding portion, and the first end and the second end being spaced apart.

13. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The retainer portion further includes a second protrusion that extends from the pad portion and the second arm spaced apart, the first protrusion extending from the pad portion at an angle to the plane of the first arm, and the second protrusion extending from the pad portion at an angle to the plane of the second arm.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket portion includes a base portion, a first arm, and a second arm, with the first arm and the second arm spaced apart.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The holding component also includes: A first protrusion extending from the first arm; and The second protrusion extends from the second arm.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first arm and the second arm extend upward in a direction away from the base portion and are substantially parallel to each other.

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hanger portion includes a metal substrate, and the padding portion includes a polymer material.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The padding portion is molded onto the hanger portion.

19. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The padding portion is configured to snap onto the hanger portion.

20. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket portion includes a channel for receiving the object, and the padding portion includes a strip connector configured to receive a strip to secure the object in the channel to the bracket portion.

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