PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE DEFLECTION LIMITER

Abstract

A deflection pad may include a body with two peaks and a cavity between them. This cavity may be sized to receive a fastener such that, when deployed, the fastener is below the height of the two peaks within the cavity. The deflection pad may also include arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, with the arms angled inward toward the cavity. The deflection pad may be incorporated into a system that includes a torsion beam and one or more support frames to which multiple PV modules can be attached. The support frames are attached to the torsion beam. One or more deflection pads may be positioned on the support frames so that they are below the PV modules.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE DEFLECTION LIMITER Field of Invention This description relates to the use of a photovoltaic (PV) module deflection limiter to smooth out shocks on PV modules. Background of the Invention Solar panel systems can include one or more PV modules. Each PV module can be attached to a support frame. The photovoltaic modules can be mounted in rows on solar trackers, which direct the orientation of the PV modules so that their orientation changes throughout the day. The PV modules can be placed outdoors in a location where they receive sunlight with little or no obstruction. The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that overcome any disadvantage or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an exemplary area of ​​technology in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention One or more of the above-mentioned variations may Ref. 347526 includes a deflection pad which may include a body comprising two peaks, and a cavity in the body between the two peaks, the cavity being sized to receive a fastener such that when deployed, the fastener is below the height of the two peaks within the cavity. The deflection pad may include arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, the arms angled inwards towards the cavity. The object and advantages of the modalities will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, characteristics, and combinations specifically indicated in the claims. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and not restrictive of the invention, in accordance with the claims. Brief Description of the Figures The exemplary modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the attached Figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary modality of a PV module system that includes a deflection limiting system; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary modality of the PV module system, which includes the deflection limiting system of Figure 1; Figure 3A illustrates a close-up view of the exemplary modality of the PV module system, which includes the deflection limiting system of Figure 1; Figure 3B illustrates a close-up view of the exemplary modality of the PV module system of Figure 1, which includes an alternative modality of a deflection limiting system; Figure 4A illustrates a side view of the deflection limiting system of Figure 1 in which the deflection limiting system is not coupled to a torsion beam; Figure 4B illustrates a side view of the deflection limiting system of Figure 1 in which the deflection limiting system is coupled to the torsion beam; Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of a cable handling coupling coupled to the deflection limiting system of Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates another exemplary modality of a deflection limiting system; Figure 7 illustrates a close-up view of a deflection pad included in the exemplary modality of the deflection limiting system illustrated in Figure 6; Figures 8A-8C illustrate several exemplary patterns of the deflection pad of Figure 7; Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary modality of a PV module system, which includes another exemplary deflection limiting system; Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the exemplary PV module system of Figure 9; and Figure 11 illustrates a further close-up view of the portion of the exemplary PV module system of Figure 9. Detailed Description of the Invention A PV module can be placed outdoors to increase its exposure to sunlight, allowing it to absorb more photons. The number of absorbed photons can be further increased by increasing the module's surface area. However, this can also lead to increased deflection at the module's center. This deflection can be further amplified by factors such as wind and / or snow loads caused by weather conditions. As the PV module flexes, it can impact a supporting structure, such as the torsion beam to which it is attached, potentially damaging the PV module's glass, the solar cells within the module, the solder joints between the solar cells, and / or other electrical components. Existing methods and / or systems can reduce problems associated with PV module deflection by increasing the distance between the PV module and its supporting structures. For example, the height of the clamps securing the PV module to a torsion beam can be increased to increase the distance between the PV module and the torsion beam. However, such methods and / or systems for reducing deflection problems may allow the PV module to deform more freely under tensile loads, which can result in even greater overall stress on the PV module. Other existing methods and / or systems can reduce PV module deflection by providing additional stiffness to the center of the PV module.However, a rigid center can reduce the overall structural integrity of the PV module under load, and including some free space below the PV module to allow for some deflection can improve the structural integrity of the PV module. This description relates to, among other things, the use of a deflection limiting system to mitigate the impact on a PV module caused by PV module deflection and / or to limit the magnitude of PV module deflection to a point where component damage is mitigated. The PV module may be mounted on a torsion beam such that the orientation of the PV module can be changed by rotating the torsion beam. The deflection limiting system may be coupled to a torsion beam such that the orientation of the deflection limiting system corresponds to the orientation of the PV module. The deflection limiter may be positioned between the torsion beam and the PV module so that the PV module deflection is mitigated by the deflection limiter in at least one direction. The deflection limiter may include a deflection pad to dampen the impact between the PV module and the supporting structures.In some models, the deflection pad may include a flexible clamp. In some models, the deflection limiter may include only a flexible clamp without a deflection pad. In some models, the deflection limiter system may include a cable management feature. The deflection limiting system described herein can reduce the stress experienced by the PV module during deflection shocks by dampening the deflection shocks and / or limiting the magnitude of the deflection. Dampening the deflection shocks experienced by the PV module can improve its longevity by reducing damage or degradation over time. The deflection limiting system described herein can have a low manufacturing cost. The deflection limiting system described herein can be attached to existing PV modules and / or solar panel systems. In some embodiments, the deflection limiting system described herein can improve cable management of the PV module(s) and / or solar panel systems by including a cable management feature. The modalities of the present description are explained with reference to the attached figures. Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary PV module assembly 100, which includes a deflection limiting system 140. The assembly 100 may include a PV module 110 mounted on a support frame 120, a torsion beam 130 to which the support frame 120 can be attached, and the deflection limiting system 140 attached to the torsion beam 130. The support frame 120 and / or other physical equipment may be used to mount the PV module 110 to the torsion beam. The support frame 120 may include any module coupling mechanism to which the PV module 110 can be attached, such as a clamp, strap, bracket, etc. In some embodiments, the PV 110 module can be attached to the support frame 120 so that there is a space between the PV 110 module and the torsion beam 130. In some embodiments, the PV 110 module can be frameless and mounted on the support frame 120 without the PV 110 module being connected to a frame.The torsion beam 130 can be of any shape, including, but not limited to, round, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or any hybrid shape such as rounded with one or more flat sides. The support frame 120 can be mounted on the torsion beam 130 such that rotation of the torsion beam 130 causes a corresponding rotation of the support frame 120 and the PV module 110 connected to the support frame 120. The deflection limiting system 140 can be coupled to the torsion beam 130 such that at least a portion of the deflection limiting system 140 is positioned between the torsion beam 130 and the PV module 110. The deflection limiting system 140 can be coupled to the torsion beam such that the rotation of the torsion beam 130 corresponds to the rotation of the deflection limiting system 140. The deflection limiting system 140 can be coupled to the torsion beam 130 by means of a strap that secures the deflection limiting system 140 around a circumference of the torsion beam 130, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3I.One of the advantages for at least some of the described modalities is the ability to couple the deflection limiting system 140 with a torsion beam of an existing PV module assembly and / or remove a previously installed deflection limiting system 140 without removing the PV modules 110. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the PV 100 module assembly, which includes the deflection limiting system 140 showing a space 112 between the PV 110 module and the deflection limiting system 140 based on the positioning of the support frame 120 and the torsion beam 130. As shown in Figure 2, the deflection limiting system 140 may include an upper surface 141 thereof, located in the space 112 between the PV 110 module and the torsion beam 130. Figure 3A illustrates a close-up perspective view of the deflection-limiting system 140 coupled to the torsion beam 130. The deflection-limiting system 140 may include a compatible portion, such as a flexible clamp 142, a strap 144, a cable handling apparatus 146, a fastener 147, and a tension connecting wire 148. The flexible clamp 142 may be formed from a portion of the strap 144 and include an arched top surface 141. In some embodiments, the flexible clamp 142 may be covered by a cushioning material 145, such as a rubber lining, a fabric wrap, or any other compatible material or mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the top surface 141 of the flexible clamp 142 may include a flat or substantially flat surface. The upper surface 141 can be defined by a first end 161 and a second end 165 formed by portions of the belt 144.In some embodiments, the first end 161 and the second end 165 can be formed by bending portions of the strap 144 to create rounded ends that pinch against each other. For example, the first end 161 may include an indentation 163 formed by pinching the strap 144 in a direction toward the second end 165, and the second end 165 may include an indentation 168 formed by pinching the strap 144 in a direction toward the first end 161. In operation, as a surface of the PV module interacts with (for example, makes contact with) the upper surface 141 of the flexible clamp 142, the flexible clamp 142 can deform toward the torsion beam 130 to absorb and / or dissipate some or all of the force from the deflection of the PV module. In some embodiments, the flexible clamp 142 may have a curved surface so that as the flexible clamp 142 deforms due to downward pressure on the flexible clamp 142, the surface of the flexible clamp 142 that interacts with the PV module exerting the downward force is greater, so that the increased force is distributed more evenly across the increased surface area. In the embodiments shown in Figure 3A, the tension connecting wire 148 can be a ring placed on a base of the flexible clamp 142 by looping the tension connecting wire 148 around the first end 161 through the indentation 163 and the second end 165 through the second indentation 168 of the flexible clamp 142, such that the tension connecting wire 148 is positioned above and / or at the same level against an upper surface of the torsion beam 130. The tension connecting wire 148 can be made of a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as steel, plastic, composite, etc. The tension connecting wire 148 can be a ring in the form of a rectangular loop with rounded corners, an oval, a D-ring, or any other suitable shape or configuration. The belt 144 may include a strip of material that can be configured into a given shape by bending, forming, stamping, rolling, extruding, melting, or molding. The belt 144 may be shaped and / or sized to correspond to and interact with the outer circumference and / or shape of the torsion beam 130. For example, the belt 144 may include an octagonal shape if the outer surface of the torsion beam 130 defines an octagonal shape. In this example, the circumference of the belt 144 may be longer than the outer circumference of the torsion beam 130 to allow the belt 144 to fit around the outside of the torsion beam 130. The belt 144 may be made of steel, plastic, composite, or any other suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the deflection-limiting system 140 may include the cable handling apparatus 146, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5. In some embodiments, the cable handling apparatus 146 may include a loop 180 formed from a portion of the strap 144. For example, the portion of the strap may form the loop 180 by closing the loop 180 against itself. In addition, or alternatively, the cable handling apparatus 146 may include a separate strip formed from the same or substantially similar material as the strap 144 and coupled to the strap 144 by a fastener 147. The fastener 147 may include any device capable of connecting the strap 144 and the cable handling apparatus 146, such as a screw, bolt, clip, weld, or other suitable coupling mechanism.Additionally or alternatively, the fastener 147 can close the strap 144 in a single loop that is tightened against the torsion beam. In some embodiments, the cable handling apparatus 146 can be welded to the strap 144, and the fastener 147 can be omitted from the deflection-limiting system 140. In some embodiments, the cable handling apparatus 146 can be a continuation of the length of the strap 144 and the fastener 147 can fix the strap 144 around the torsion beam 130. Figure 3B illustrates a close-up perspective view of a second exemplary modality of a deflection-limiting system 150. The deflection-limiting system 150 may include a deflection mechanism, such as the flexible clamp 152, a strap 154, a cable handling apparatus 156, a fastener 157, and a pull-connecting wire 158. The flexible clamp 152 may include a first end 171 with a first indentation 173 and a second end 175 with a second indentation 178, which may be similar to or comparable with the first end 161 with the first indentation 163 and the second end 165 with the second indentation 168. The strap 154, cable handling apparatus 156, fastener 157, and pull-connecting wire 158 may be similar to or comparable with the strap 144, cable handling apparatus 146, fastener 147, and / or pull-connecting wire 148, respectively, shown in Figure 3A. As illustrated in Figure 3B, an upper surface 151 of the flexible clamp 152 may be unpadded.In these and other modes, the deflection of the PV 110 module can cause the PV 110 module to come into contact with the unpadded upper surface 151 of the flexible clamp 152. Figure 4A illustrates a side view of the deflection limiting system 140, and Figure 4B illustrates a side view of the deflection limiting system 140 connected to the torsion beam 130. The side views of the deflection limiting system 140 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B show the fastener 147 connecting a first section of the strap 144 and a second section of the strap 144 around the torsion beam 130. Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of a lower portion of the deflection-limiting system 140 focusing on the cable handling apparatus 146. The cable handling apparatus 146 may include a loop formed by attaching a first section 182 of the belt 144 to a second section 184 of the belt 144. For example, the first section 182 of the belt 144 and the second section 184 of the belt 144 may be fastened together by means of surface-etched or otherwise formed interface grooves 149 on each section of the belt 144 to form the loop 180. In some embodiments, the size of loop 180 can be increased or decreased by changing a length of the strap 144 used to form loop 180. A loop 180 with a larger diameter can be formed by increasing the distance between the first section 182 of strap 144 and the second section 184 of strap 144 to include a longer length of strap 144. A loop 180 with a smaller diameter can be formed by decreasing the distance between the first section 182 of strap 144 and the second section 184 of strap 144. In some embodiments, more than one groove 149 can be included in a given section of strap 144 so that the size of loop 180 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the cable handling apparatus 146 can be formed from one end of strap 144.One advantage of forming the cable handling apparatus 146 from the end of the strap 144 is that the excess length of the strap 144 not included in the circumference of the torsion beam 130 and the flexible clamp 142 can be included as part of the cable handling apparatus 146 to avoid wasting manufacturing materials. Figure 6 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a deflection-limiting system 200 coupled to the torsion beam 130. The exemplary deflection-limiting system 200 may include a deflection pad 210 and a strap 220. The deflection pad 210 may be positioned between the torsion beam 130 and a PV module, such as the PV module 110 of Figures 1 and 2, mounted on the torsion beam 130. The deflection pad 210 may be constructed of a semi-rigid or elastic material such as rubber, foam, plastic, a composite, or similar material. In some embodiments, the deflection pad 210 may be positioned below approximately the center of the PV module along the torsion beam 130. In addition, or alternatively, more than one deflection pad 210 may be included in the deflection-limiting system 200 and positioned below the PV module.In these and other modalities, the two or more deflection pads 210 may or may not be evenly spaced to avoid protrusions under the PV module and / or to increase a contact surface between the deflection of the PV module and the deflection pads 210 coupled to the torsion beam 130. In some embodiments, the deflection pad 210 may be secured to the torsion beam 130 by a strap 220. In some embodiments, the strap 220 may be made of the same or similar material as the strap 144 of the deflection limiting system 140. For example, the strap 220 may be made of steel, plastic, a composite, or any other flexible or semi-flexible material. In some embodiments, the strap 220 may include a ratchet or other quick-release coupling and locking mechanism to securely attach the deflection pad 210 to the torsion beam 130. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the deflection pad 210. As seen in Figure 7, the deflection pad 210 may include a hole 212, a slot, or other similar opening, and one or more reinforcing ribs 214. The hole 212 may be an opening on one side of the deflection pad 210 through which the strap 220 can interact to secure the deflection pad 210 to the torsion beam 130. More than one hole 212 may be included in the deflection pad 210 to provide additional openings through which the strap 220 can interact to better secure the deflection pad 210 to the torsion beam 130. For example, a first hole 212a can be included in a first side 218 of a given deflection pad, and a second hole 212b can be included in a second side 219 of the given deflection pad, the second side being opposite the first side. In this example, a given strap can pass through the first and second holes and encircle a given torsion beam to which the given deflection pad is mounted. Furthermore, or alternatively, additional holes 212 can be included so that multiple straps 220 can be used to couple the deflection pad 210 to the torsion beam 130. In some embodiments, the deflection pad 210 may be injection-molded or extruded such that it includes the reinforcing ribs 214. The reinforcing ribs 214 may include honeycomb-like structures that further distribute the load experienced by the deflection pad 210 and / or the deflection-limiting system 200 caused by the deflection of the PV module placed on the deflection pad 210. The reinforcing ribs 214 may be shaped in a pattern such as squares, triangles, hexagons, any other polygonal shape, and / or any circular shape. Figures 8A–8C provide some examples of such variations. In some embodiments, the deflection pad 210 may include a tessellated pattern of reinforcing ribs 214.Additionally or alternatively, the deflection pad 210 may include reinforcing ribs 214 that incorporate more than one shape in a non-repeating pattern, such as a combination of hexagons and triangles. In these and other embodiments, the pattern may include a gap, such as a region through which the strap 220 can pass through the reinforcing rib pattern 214. In some embodiments, the reinforcing ribs 214 can project from one or more different faces of the deflection pad. For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, the reinforcing ribs 214 can project away from a surface facing the PV module and toward the torsion beam 130. As another example, the reinforcing ribs 214 can project away from a surface interacting with the torsion beam 130 and extend toward the PV module. As a further example, the reinforcing ribs 214 can extend from a surface in a central region toward the torsion beam 130 and also extend from the central region toward the PV module. In some embodiments, the reinforcing ribs 214 may be thinner in material than the outer edge 216 of the deflection pad 210. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing ribs 214 may be patterned or have cutouts to remove material. In these and other embodiments, such cutouts or patterns may increase the flexibility and / or deformation capabilities of the deflection pad 210. Figures 8A-8C illustrate several exemplary patterns of the deflection pad 210 of Figure 7, according to one or more of the modalities described herein. For example, Figure 8A illustrates a deflection pad 810a forming a first pattern using reinforcing ribs 814a, Figure 8B illustrates a deflection pad 810b forming a second pattern using reinforcing ribs 814b, and Figure 8C illustrates a deflection pad 810c forming a third pattern using reinforcing ribs 814c. The first pattern illustrated in Figure 8A shows a striped checkered pattern, or a pattern constructed using repeated square shapes. The repeated square shapes are angled in this first pattern. The second pattern illustrated in Figure 8B shows a checkered strip pattern, or a pattern constructed using repeated square shapes. The repeating square shapes are aligned with the orientation of deflection pad 810b. The third pattern illustrated in Figure 8C illustrates a honeycomb pattern or a pattern constructed using repeated hexagonal shapes. While Figures 8A-8C illustrate three exemplary patterns, it will be appreciated that the present description accommodates any number and style of patterns. Furthermore, any randomization or other style, such as variations in the spacing between reinforcing ribs, is also contemplated. As another example, reinforcing ribs can be implemented as small cylindrical projections instead of ribs. Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary modality of a PV 900 module system, which includes another exemplary deflection limiting system 940, according to one or more modalities of the present description. The PV 100 module system in Figure 1 includes a single PV 110 module that extends along the length of the torsion beam 130, whereas the PV 900 module system in Figure 9 includes two PV 910 modules (such as PV 910a and 910b modules) in a horizontal orientation along the torsion beam 930 (e.g., a 2L configuration). The PV 900 module system may include one or more PV 910 modules (such as PV 910a and 910b modules) which may be similar or comparable to PV 110 module in Figure 1, one or more 920 support frames (such as 920a / 920b support frames) which may be similar or comparable to support frame 120 in Figure 1, and / or a 930 torsion beam which may be similar or comparable to torsion beam 130 in Figure 1.Additionally or alternatively, the PV 900 module system may include one or more end supports 912 (such as supports 912a-912d) and / or intermediate supports 914 (such as intermediate supports 914a / 914b) which can be used to secure the PV 910 modules to the support frames 920. In addition, or alternatively, the PV 900 module system may include one or more deflection pads 940 (such as deflection pads 940a-940d). The PV 910 modules can be mounted on the support frames 920 using the end brackets 912 and / or the intermediate brackets 914, which hold the PV 910 module in place along the support frames 920. The support frames 920 can be attached to the torsion beam 930. For example, the support frames 920 may include a rail 921 (such as rails 921a / 921b) and / or a clamp 923 (such as clamps 923a / 923b) that attaches the rail 921 to the torsion beam 930. While the illustrated support frame 920 is an example of the fixed attachment of the PV 910 modules to the torsion beam 930, it will be appreciated that any approach can be used to mount the PV 910 modules to the torsion beam 930. Furthermore, or alternatively, the PV 910 modules can be mounted on any support structure, such as one or more rails. Additionally, or alternatively, any number or orientation of the PV 910 modules is covered by this description. For example, the PV 910 modules can be oriented vertically or horizontally. As another example, any number can be used, such as one, two, three, four, or more (e.g., three in a horizontal orientation (3L)). The PV 910 modules may bend or deflect toward the support frame 920 due to forces such as snow, wind, and / or the weight of the PV 910 modules. In these and other embodiments, the deflection pads 940 can function to prevent the PV 910 modules from coming into direct contact with the rail or other portions of the support frame 920. Instead, the PV 910 modules may come into physical contact with the deflection pads 940. In these and other implementations, the deflection pads 940 can be constructed of an elastically compressible material such as rubber, foam, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, or other polymers) or composites, or a coating of such material over a more abrasive material such as metal. In these and other modalities, the 940 deflection pad can be formed from a single body, such as a single piece of molded and / or cured rubber. In some configurations, the 940 deflection pads can be positioned so that the PV 910 modules already rest on them without deformation. Alternatively, there may be a gap between the 940 deflection pads and the PV 910 modules under normal circumstances, and due to external forces or deformation of the PV 910 module over time, the PV 910 modules may flex and come into contact with the 940 deflection pads. Although illustrated with a single deflection pad 940 along the support frame 920 for a given span of the PV module 910, it will be appreciated that any number of deflection pads 940 can be placed along the length of the support frame 920. For example, two, three, four, or more deflection pads 940 under a given PV module 910 along the support frame. Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of a portion 1000 of the PV 900 module system of Figure 9, according to one or more embodiments of the present description. For example, as illustrated in Figure 10, the support frame 920 may include a rail 921 with an upper portion 922 and tabs 924a and 924b at each end of the upper portion 922. The deflection pad 940 may be shaped and / or configured to sit atop the upper portion 922 of the rail 921 of the support frame 920. For example, the deflection pad 940 may be formed with two arms 942a / 942b to project and extend comfortably from a top surface 926 of the upper portion 922 and along a certain length of the upper portion 922 toward the fingers (tabs) 924a / 924b. In some embodiments, the arms 942a / 942b may include a respective tab 943a / 943b at the end of the arms 942a / 942b to create a stronger friction / interference fit between the deflection pad 940 and the sides of the upper portion 922 of the rail 921 of the support frame 920. The deflection pad 940 may include a cavity 948 between the peaks 946a and 946b. The peaks 946a / 946b may provide additional cushioning material for the PV module when it deforms or sags and comes into contact with the deflection pad 940. The cavity 948 may function as a cavity within which a fastener 950 can securely engage the deflection pad 940 with the upper portion 922 of the rail 921 of the support frame 920. In these and other embodiments, by using the cavity 948, the head of the fastener 950 may be positioned below the peaks 946 so as to prevent the PV module from contacting the fastener 950, even with some deformation of the peaks 946 due to the PV module contacting and compressing the peaks 946.In these and other modalities, the deflection pad 940 can be longer along a direction in line with the peaks 946 (e.g., in the direction along the length of the support frame 920) than it is in a direction through the peaks 946 and the cavity 948 (e.g., in a direction orthogonal to the length of the support frame 920). In some embodiments, by using arms 942a / 942b, a single fastener 950 can be used to attach the deflection pad 940 to the upper portion 922 without the deflection pad 940 rotating or moving relative to the single fastener 950. The ability to use a single fastener 950 can speed up installation times and decrease material costs. Although illustrated as having a hat-profile rail, it should be noted that the 921 rail of the 920 support frame can take any shape or profile. For example, a rectangular tube, a channel, an angle profile, a Z-rail, a sigma rail, or any other shaped support structure. Figure 11 illustrates a further close-up view of portion 1000 of the exemplary PV module system 900 of Figure 9, according to one or more embodiments of the present description. As illustrated in Figure 11, the deflection pad arm 942a 940 may include the tab 943a that can be pressed against the upper portion 922 of the support frame rail 920. For example, the arm 942a may be deformed due to interference between the tab 943a and the side of the upper portion 922. The deformation may create a spring force or other material force in the arm 942a due to its tilting relative to its undeformed state. For example, the arm 942a may be tilted inward, passing the rail in its undeformed state in an inward direction toward the rail.The spring force can increase the friction force between the tab 943a and the upper portion 922, thereby holding the deflection pad 940 in place more securely. While the system 900 illustrated in Figures 9-11 may include the deflection pad 940, it should be appreciated that any deflection-limiting device consistent with the present description may be used. For example, the deflection-limiting system 140 using the flexible clamp illustrated in Figure 1 may be used instead of the deflection pad 940 by modifying the shape or length of the strap. As another example, the deflection pad 210 shown in Figure 6 may be used instead of the deflection pad 940. In these and other embodiments, a lower surface of the deflection pad 210 may be shaped to match the shape of the upper portion 922 instead of directly interacting with the torsion beam 130. The technology that is the subject of the present invention is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below. Several examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and are not limiting to the subject technology. Aspects of the various implementations described herein may be omitted, substituted by aspects of other implementations, or combined with aspects of other implementations unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, one or more aspects of Example 1 below may be omitted, substituted by one or more aspects of another example (e.g., Example 2) or examples, or combined with aspects of another example. The following is a non-limiting summary of some exemplary implementations presented herein. Example 1. A deflection pad comprising a body including two peaks; a cavity in the body between the two peaks, wherein the cavity can be sized to receive a fastener such that, when deployed, the fastener is below a height of the two peaks within the cavity; and arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, the arms angled inwards towards the cavity. Example 2. One or more of the exemplary forms of the present description may also include tongues at one end of the arms opposite the two peaks, the tongues extending from the arms generally in the direction in which the arms are inclined. Example 3. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, a shape of a lower surface of the two peaks, the cavity and the arms may correspond to an upper portion of a rail. Example 4. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the arms may be tilted inwards to a position beyond the top of the rail. Example 5. For one or more of the exemplary modes of the present description, the deflection pad can be constructed from an elastically compressible material. Example 6. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the deflection pad may be constructed of rubber, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyethylene. Example 7. For one or more of the exemplary modes of the present description, the deflection pad may be longer in a first direction along a length of the peaks than in a second direction through the two peaks and the cavity. Example 8. A system may include a torsion beam; a frame to which multiple PV modules can be attached, the frame being attached to the torsion beam; a first end support at a first end of the frame and a second end support at a second end of the frame opposite the first end; one or more intermediate supports spaced along the frame such that the first end support, the second end support, and one or more intermediate supports cooperatively and securely couple the multiple PV modules to the frame; a first deflection pad on the frame positioned at least between the first end support and a given first intermediate support of one or more intermediate supports, such that it is below a given first PV module of the multiple PV modules held between the given first end support and the given first intermediate support;and a second deflection pad on the frame positioned at least between the second end support and a given second intermediate support of one or more intermediate supports to be below a given second PV module of the multiple PV modules held between the second end support and the given second intermediate support.; Example 9. For one more of the exemplary embodiments of the present description, the first deflection pad includes a body comprising two peaks; a cavity in the body between the two peaks, the cavity sized to receive a fastener that securely couples the first deflection pad to the frame so that when deployed, the fastener is below a height of the two peaks within the cavity; and arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, the arms angled inwards towards the cavity. Example 10. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the frame includes a rail. Example 11. For one or more of the exemplary modalities of the present description, the first given intermediate support and the second given intermediate support are the same intermediate support, so that the system includes only one intermediate support. Example 12. One or more of the exemplary forms of the present description may also include a third deflection pad placed between the first end support and the given first intermediate support. Example 13. A system may include a torsion beam; a first frame to which a PV module can be attached, the first frame being coupled to the torsion beam; a second frame to which the PV module can be attached such that the first and second frames securely couple the PV module to the torsion beam, the second frame being coupled to the torsion beam; a deflection system coupled to the torsion beam between the first and second frames such that the deflection system is positioned below the PV module when the PV module is connected to the first and second frames. The deflection system may include a deflection pad; and a strap attached to the deflection pad, the strap securing the deflection pad to the torsion beam. Example 14. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the deflection pad may include a flexible clamp. Example 15. For one or more of the exemplary embodiments of the present description, the flexible clamp can be formed from a portion of the strap to include a top surface for interacting with the PV module. Example 16. For one or more of the exemplary embodiments of the present description, the upper surface may include a first end and a second end, the first end including a first indentation that clamps in a first direction toward the second end, and the second end including a second indentation that clamps in a second direction toward the first end; and a pull-connecting wire around a flexible clamp base and seating in the first indentation and the second indentation. Example 17. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the upper surface of the flexible clamp may be covered with a cushioning material. Example 18. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, a second portion of the strap may form a cable handling apparatus, the cable handling apparatus. Example 19. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the loop may be formed by the second portion that closes a loop against itself. Example 20. For one or more of the exemplary modes of the present description, the cable handling apparatus can facilitate the alignment of power cables from one or more PV modules, whether wired separately or together, extending to a power inverter, energy storage device, or energy use device. Example 21. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the deflection pad may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending away from the deflection pad. Example 22. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the reinforcing ribs can be formed in a pattern. Example 23. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the reinforcing ribs can be extended away from the deflection pad in a direction toward the torsion beam. Example 24. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the reinforcing ribs extend away from the deflection pad in a direction toward the PV module. Example 25. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the reinforcing ribs extend away from the deflection pad in one direction towards the PV module and away from the deflection pad in one direction towards the torsion beam. Example 26. For one or more of the exemplary forms of the present description, the reinforcing ribs are arranged in one of, a square or honeycomb pattern. The terms used in this description and especially in the appended claims (e.g., in the standards of the appended claims) are generally understood as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to). Furthermore, if a specific number of introduced claim references is intended, such intention shall be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such a statement, such intention is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases at least once and one or more times to introduce claim references.However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of a claim statement by the indefinite articles a or one limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim statement to modalities containing only such statement, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or one (e.g., u and / or one should be interpreted as at least one or one or more); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim is expressly mentioned, persons skilled in the art will recognize that such a mention must be interpreted to mean at least the number mentioned (for example, the simple mention of two claims, without any other modifiers, means at least two claims, or two or more claims). Moreover, in those cases where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc., or one or more of A, B, and C, etc., is used, such an interpretation is generally intended to include only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. Furthermore, any disjunctive word or phrase preceding two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or figures, should be understood to encompass the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both. For example, the phrase A or B should be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B. All examples and conditional language mentioned herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the present description and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and should be interpreted as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically mentioned. Although the modalities of this description have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A deflection pad, characterized in that it comprises: a body including two peaks; a cavity in the body between the two peaks, the cavity being sized to receive a fastener such that when deployed, the fastener lies below a height of the two peaks within the cavity; and arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, the arms being inclined inwards towards the cavity.

2. The deflection pad according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises tabs at one end of the arms opposite the two peaks, the tabs extending from the arms generally in the direction in which the arms are inclined.

3. The deflection pad according to claim 1, characterized in that a shape of a lower surface of the two peaks, the cavity and the arms, corresponds to an upper portion of a rail.

4. The deflection pad according to claim 3, characterized in that the arms are inclined inwards to a position beyond the top of the rail.

5. The deflection pad according to claim 1, characterized in that it is constructed of an elastically compressible material.

6. The deflection pad according to claim 5, characterized in that it is constructed of one of rubber, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polyethylene.

7. The deflection pad according to claim 1, characterized in that it is longer in a first direction along a length of the peaks than in a second direction through the two peaks and the cavity.

8. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a torsion beam; a frame to which multiple PV modules can be attached, the frame being attached to the torsion beam; a first end support at a first end of the frame and a second end support at a second end of the frame opposite the first end; one or more intermediate supports spaced along the frame such that the first end support, the second end support, and one or more intermediate supports cooperatively and securely couple the multiple PV modules to the frame; a first deflection pad on the frame positioned at least between the first end support and a given first intermediate support of the one or more intermediate supports, such that it is below a given first PV module of the multiple PV modules held between the given first end support and the given first intermediate support;And a second deflection pad on the frame positioned at least between the second end support and a given second intermediate support of one or more intermediate supports to lie below a given second PV module of the multiple PV modules held between the second end support and the given second intermediate support.; 9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the first deflection pad comprises: a body including two peaks; a cavity in the body between the two peaks, the cavity having dimensions to receive a fastener that securely couples the first deflection pad to the frame such that when deployed, the fastener is below a height of the two peaks within the cavity; and arms projecting in a direction generally opposite to the two peaks, the arms being inclined inwards towards the cavity.

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the frame includes a rail.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the first given intermediate support and the second given intermediate support are the same intermediate support such that the system includes only one intermediate support.

12. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a third deflection pad placed between the first end support and the first intermediate support.

13. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a torsion beam; a first frame to which a PV module can be attached, the first frame attached to the torsion beam; a second frame to which the PV module can be attached such that the first and second frames together securely attach the PV module to the torsion beam, the second frame attached to the torsion beam; a deflection system attached to the torsion beam between the first frame and the second frame such that the deflection system is positioned below the PV module when the PV module is attached to the first and second frames, the deflection system comprising: a deflection pad; and a strap attached to the deflection pad, the strap securing the deflection pad to the torsion beam.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the deflection pad comprises a flexible clamp, the flexible clamp being formed from a portion of the strap to include an upper surface for interacting with the PV module, the upper surface including a first end and a second end, the first end including a first indentation that clamps in a first direction toward the second end, and the second end including a second indentation that clamps in a second direction toward the first end; and a pull-connecting wire around a base of the flexible clamp and resting on the first indentation and the second indentation.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the upper surface of the flexible clamp is covered with a damping material.

16. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that a second portion of the strap forms a cable handling apparatus, the cable handling apparatus includes a loop formed by the second portion that closes a loop against itself.

17. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the deflection pad includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending 5 away from the deflection pad.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the reinforcing ribs are formed in a pattern.

19. The system according to claim 17, 10 characterized in that the reinforcing ribs extend away from the deflection pad in a direction towards the torsion beam.

20. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the reinforcing ribs extend 15 away from the deflection pad in a direction towards the PV module.

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