CLAMPING DEVICES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANEL MODULES
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIRAC INC
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images
Figure MX434738B0
Abstract
Description
CLAMPING DEVICES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANEL MODULES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims priority and incorporates U.S. Patent Application 17 / 344,403, filed June 10, 2021, entitled “Clamping Apparatus and Components Thereof for Mounting Solar Panel Modules,” which claims priority and incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 068,271, filed August 20, 2020, entitled “Clamping Apparatus and Components Thereof for Mounting Solar Panel Modules,” in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Despite the numerous types and models of clamps available for mounting solar panel modules, each seems to have a deficiency in at least one aspect, or if it's not perceived as a deficiency, there appears to be room for improvement. That is, while in some cases a clamp can be configured to incorporate several independent features from multiple different known clamps (ignoring competing patents for the purposes of this example), thus forming a product that could be superior in many respects, there are still desirable features for both installers and users that increase ease of installation and improve functionality, durability, strength, and so on.For example, some clamps may not provide a satisfactory electrical connection between the module and the rail, while others may be overly complex, including a cumbersome number of parts, or challenging to install. Still others may be simple, but so simple that they are ultimately ineffective at properly securing the module to a rail or other structure according to the design. Therefore, further improvements to existing solar panel module clamps are desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The Detailed Description is presented with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings can be considered to provide a rough description of the relative sizes of individual components within the figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of individual components, both within and between figures, may vary from what is shown. In particular, some figures may depict components of a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the same components at a larger scale or in a different shape for clarity. Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example solar panel mounting system that includes a rail segment for attaching to a bracket that can be attached to a roof. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a universal clamp in one embodiment of the present description as an end clamp. Figure 3 illustrates an assembled side view of the end clamp of Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates an assembled top view of the end clamp from Figure 2. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a universal clamp in one embodiment of the present description as an intermediate clamp. Figure 6 illustrates an assembled side view of the intermediate clamp from Figure 5. Figure 7 illustrates an assembled top view of the intermediate clamp of Figure 5. Figure 8 illustrates an assembled and installed view of the end clamp of Figure 1 on a rail, in accordance with one embodiment of the present description. Figure 9 illustrates an assembled and installed view of the intermediate clamp of Figure 5 on a rail, in accordance with one embodiment of the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Generalities This description pertains to a universal clamp for securing solar panel modules. More specifically, it describes embodiments of an end cap clamp and an intermediate clamp that can be claimed as variations of the universal clamp for securing modules of various sizes of solar panel modules. The features are described in more detail as shown in the figures and are expressed in the list of claims. In one embodiment, a union clamp assembly includes a clamp, a nut, and a connecting member. The clamp includes a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of a solar panel module and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the module in coordination with the side-edge support portion. The nut is configured to align with the clamp and engage with the second surface of the clamp's side-edge support portion to prevent rotation of the nut.The connecting element extends from the nut in a fixed position, and a head of the connecting element is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in a rail segment, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove in the rail segment is prevented. The clamp assembly is electrically connected to any of a plurality of modules having different thicknesses. As used in this document, the term electrical bonding, electrically joined, connection, or grounding includes any act of joining electrical conductors. For example, the term electrical bonding, electrically joined, connection, or grounding includes the practice of intentionally connecting metallic elements electrically together. Electrical bonding may be performed in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). Illustrative Modalities Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view 100 of one embodiment of the solar panel mounting system 102 that includes a rail segment 104 (or rail), which may include an elongated member having a channel extending along all or part of the length of the rail segment. For the purposes of this application, a rail segment 104 may be referred to as one of the many contemplated possibilities of an intermediate member in that, in this case, the expected use of the mounting system components 102 is to support the solar panel modules on a structure to prevent the modules from being directly against the mounting surface. Therefore, the term intermediate member may be used whether a rail segment is used or if, instead, a substitute structure becomes the structure between (i.e., intermediate to) the mounted object (e.g., the solar panel module or other desired apparatus, device, etc.).and the roof or surface. In other words, while in the solar panel industry, mounting system 102 is used to mount solar panel modules on a rail segment structure, the Applicant envisions that there may be additional uses for one or more of the components of the described mounting system or the system as a whole. Minor adaptations may be required to serve other industries more effectively. Regardless of the use, any use of the components that may be claimed based on the description herein is considered proprietary to the Applicant and is within the scope of the description. Returning to mounting system 102, rail segment 104 can be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to a ceiling. Rail segment 104 can be an extrusion. For example, rail segment 104 can be a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, although other suitable materials may be considered depending on the desired performance and function. In particular, the term "rail" as used herein can refer to a full-length rail member according to various industry standards for rails, or to segments shorter than a standard-size rail, such as those shown in a figure in some cases. However, for the purposes of this application, it should be understood that the reference to a rail segment includes either a full-length standard rail or a portion shorter than the full length of a rail, since the term "segment" is relative to different manufacturing standards anyway.The 102 solar panel mounting system can mount solar panel modules (not shown in Figure 1, but discussed in more detail below) to a roof or other surfaces, structures, machinery, etc. For example, solar panel mounting systems can be used to mount modules to walls, the ground, poles, bridges, vehicles, etc. Module sizes can vary. That is, different module manufacturers have not standardized the sizes of modules available in the industry, and therefore the size of each module can vary depending on the manufacturer producing it. For example, one manufacturer may produce a module that is approximately 32 millimeters (mm) thick (e.g., height), while another manufacturer may produce a different module that is approximately 40 mm thick.As such, the solar panel mounting system 102 may include a clamp assembly (not shown) (discussed in more detail below) that attaches to rail segment 104 and is electrically connected to any of the modules, which may have a different thickness. For example, the clamp assembly may attach to rail segment 104 and be electrically connected to a module that is approximately 32 mm thick. In another example, the clamp assembly may attach to rail segment 104 and be electrically connected to a different module that is approximately 40 mm thick. Different modules may have different respective thicknesses depending on the solar cell efficiency of the modules. For example, the modules may have different respective thicknesses depending on strength and / or cost.Regardless, a solar panel mounting system as described herein allows a user (e.g., an installer, technician, etc.) to quickly and easily install modules of varying thicknesses on surfaces such as the ground or a roof, structures, machinery, etc., as desired. The clamp assembly can accommodate modules ranging in size from approximately 32 mm to approximately 40 mm. However, the aforementioned thickness range should not be interpreted as limiting the ability of this description to accommodate sizes outside that range. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view 200 of a universal clamp in one embodiment of the present description as an end clamp 202. The end clamp 202 can be used to mount a module to a rail segment such as rail segment 104. The end clamp 202 may include a clamp 204. The clamp 204 may further include a side-edge support portion 206 extending in a first direction 208 to bear against a side edge of the module. The side-edge support portion 206 has at least a first surface 210 facing the module and a second surface 212 opposite the first surface 210. The clamp 204 further includes a flange 214 extending in a second direction 216 transverse to the first direction 208 to clamp against a top surface of the module in coordination with the side-edge support portion 206.Although they are shown as two structurally distinct elements in Figure 2, it is contemplated (and shown further in the intermediate clamp modality, of the universal clamp, in Figure 5) that the flange 214 can be structurally continuous (i.e., materially formed integrally) with the support portion of the lateral edge 206. The end clamp 202 includes a nut 218 configured to align with the clamp 204. The nut 218 has a first end 220 to receive a bolt 222 and a second end 224 opposite the first end 220. The nut 218 has an outer surface 226 formed to engage with the second surface 212 of the side-rim support portion 206 of the clamp 204 to prevent rotation of the nut 218. For example, the outer surface 226 of the nut 218 can be shaped to engage at least one side of the nut with the second surface 212 of the side-rim support portion 206 of the clamp 204 to prevent rotation of the nut 218. Furthermore, the outer surface 226 of the nut 218 is formed to engage with the second surface 212 of the side-rim support portion 206 of the clamp 204 to prevent the rotation of clamp 204.For example, once nut 218 engages with the support portion of the side rim 206 of clamp 204, nut 218 also prevents rotation of clamp 204. In one embodiment, nut 218 may have a multi-sided outer surface. For example, nut 218 may have at least a first side distinguished from a second side by a discontinuity in the directionality of the surface. In a two-sided example, although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that a nut could have a circular outer perimeter intersected by a flat portion, the shape of which would thus be considered to have two sides. In such a two-sided example, the flat side may engage with the second surface 212. Additionally, and / or alternatively, other shapes for the outer surface of nut 218, having more than two sides, are contemplated, including three sides, four sides, five sides, six sides, etc.Furthermore, nut 218 can be an elongated nut formed as a sleeve, as shown, whereby the elongation provides additional surface area to improve engagement with the second surface 212. However, it is also contemplated that the nut may have a standard length or even be shortened, provided that a lateral surface of the nut effectively engages with the second surface 212 to prevent rotation. Thus, as depicted in Figure 2, in one embodiment, nut 218 can be an elongated hexagonal sleeve. While Figure 2 illustrates that nut 218 can be an elongated hexagonal sleeve, nut 218 can also be an elongated square sleeve. Nut 218 and bolt 222 define a height adjustment component where bolt 222 is connected to the first end 220 of nut 218 so that, by rotating bolt 222 within nut 218, the height of clamp 204 can be adjusted to accommodate a module height to be clamped. The end clamp 202 includes a connecting member 228 extending from the second end 224 of the nut 218 in a fixed position relative to the nut 218. A head 230 of the connecting member 228 is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head 230 is accommodated to pass through a groove in a rail segment, and in a second orientation, it is prevented from passing through the groove in the rail segment. The position of the head 230 of the connecting member 228 is fixed relative to the outer surface 226 of the nut 218. In one embodiment, as shown, the head 230 of the connecting member 228 has a rhomboidal cross-section, thereby minimizing the portion that is caught in a groove in a rail segment to prevent passage through it. This also minimizes the material of the connecting member.Alternatively, it is understood that many other shapes can be used for the connecting member head and the groove in the rail segment, or both, to provide a similar trapping and passing function, as explained above. Furthermore, although nut 218 is shown as structurally continuous (i.e., materially integrally formed) in Figure 2, it is envisaged that nut 218 may be composed of multiple distinct elements. For example, connecting member 228 may be a structurally distinct element from nut 218. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the support portion of the side edge 206 may be structurally defined by a first protrusion (i.e., a planar component projecting or extending in the first direction 208 and bearing the first surface 210 to face the module and the second surface 212 opposite the first surface 210, as described above). The first protrusion of the support portion of the side edge 206 may be further connected parallel to a second protrusion 232 to form an inverted U-shape. As depicted, the second protrusion 232 may be structurally continuous by integral formation with the support portion of the side edge 206. Furthermore, the second protrusion 232 may include consecutive teeth 234 along an outer side 236 thereof. As explained below, the teeth 234 engage with another element of the clamp 204.Therefore, after installation, the first protrusion of the side edge support portion 206 is placed against the side edge of the module, and the second protrusion 232 is placed parallel to and away from the side edge of the module. In one embodiment, the flange 214 can be continuously connected to an extension 238 having at least two matching teeth 240 to engage consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232. For example, at least two matching teeth 240 can engage with one or more of the consecutive teeth 234 when the flange 214 is clamped against a top surface of a module in coordination with the support portion of the side rim 206. Although the flange 214 is shown with at least two matching teeth 240 along its inside in Figure 2, it is contemplated that the flange 214 may include consecutive teeth along its inside and the second protrusion 232 may include at least two matching teeth along an outside side 236 thereof that can engage with consecutive teeth of the second protrusion 232. Figure 2 illustrates that the outer surface 226 of the nut 218 can have at least two parallel sides, such that a first side 242(1) of the parallel sides abuts the second surface 212 of the first protrusion of the supporting portion of the side rim 206, and a second side 242(2) of the parallel sides rests on an inner surface 244 of the second protrusion 232. As discussed above, the nut 218 can have a multi-sided outer surface. In addition, and / or alternatively, the nut 218 can have a two-sided outer surface. In a two-sided example, although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that a nut could have a circular outer perimeter intersected by a single flat portion. In such a two-sided example, the single flat portion can be engaged with the second surface 212 or with the inner surface 244. Figure 2 illustrates the support portion of the side rim 206 and flange 214, which include through holes 246(1) and 246(2). After installation, bolt 222 passes through through holes 246(1) and 246(2) to connect to nut 218. Figure 2 illustrates the end clamp 202, which includes a first end cap 248(1) to cover the right side of the clamp 204 and a second end cap 248(2) to cover the left side of the clamp 204. The first and second end caps 248(1) and 248(2) may include one or more clamping members 250. One or more clamping members 250 may be one or more press-fit members, compression-fit members, interference-fit members, etc., to secure the first and second end caps 248(1) and 248(2) to the right and left sides of the clamp 204. The first and second end caps 248(1) and 248(2) may include one or more alignment elements 252(1) and 252(2). One or more alignment elements 252(1) and 252(2) keep the end caps 248(1) and 248(2) aligned with the flange 214 and / or the extension 238 of the clamp 204, respectively.One or more clamping members 250 and / or one or more alignment members 252(1) and 252(2) can keep the end caps 248(1) and 248(2) and the clamp 204 securely connected to each other. The first and second end caps 248(1) and 248(2) may include one or more spring elements 254. One or more spring elements 254 are adapted to provide a spring force between at least two corresponding teeth 240 of the extension 238 and consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232. For example, in a predetermined position of the end clamp 202, at least two corresponding teeth 240 of the extension 238 and consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232 are held together because one or more spring members 254 are interposed between the second protrusion 232 and the extension 238.When a user applies force to a portion (e.g., an end) of the flange 214, with the end clamp 202 assembled, the flange 214 rotates around the bolt 222 near the through holes 246(1) and 246(2). This causes the spring member 254 to flex (e.g., deform elastically) and allows at least two corresponding teeth 240 of the extension 238 to separate from the consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232. When a user stops applying force to the flange portion 214, the spring member 254 engages and holds together the at least two corresponding teeth 240 of the extension 238 and the consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232. Figure 3 illustrates a side view 300 of the end clamp 202 of FIG. 2. Figure 3 illustrates that the head 230 of the connecting member 228 is defined by a T-shape in a side profile thereof (note that, as shown, the orientation of the T is reversed, formed by the vertically oriented shaft connected to the nut 218, with the horizontally oriented bar portion connected to the shaft at the lower end of the shaft). However, as is visible from the hidden dashed line in Figure 4 (discussed later in this document), the horizontally oriented bar portion of the head 230 is longer in a first dimension than in the transverse dimension to form an elongated rhomboidal cross-sectional profile.The position of the horizontal bar portion of the T-shaped head 230 of the connecting member 228 is fixed to form, when properly installed, a predetermined angle (described in more detail below) with respect to the pair of opposite parallel sides 242(1) and 242(2) of the nut 218 on the outer surface 226 of the nut 218. The flange 214 may include a pin 302 (e.g., a joining pin) disposed on a lower surface of the flange 214 for piercing or engaging an anodized, galvanized, painted, etc. layer of a module for electrical connection to the module. An upper surface of the head 230 of the connecting member 228 may include one or more protrusions 304 (e.g., teeth, prongs, etc.) for piercing or engaging an anodized, galvanized, painted, etc. layer. of rail segment 104 to be electrically connected to rail segment 104. Connecting member 228 is electrically connected to rail segment 104 and to nut 218, nut 218 is electrically connected to bolt 222, bolt 222 is electrically connected to clamp 204 and clamp 204 is electrically connected to a module when clamp 204 is assembled and / or installed.One or more protrusions 304 on the connecting member 228 allow the non-conductive anodized finish to penetrate the aluminum rail, thereby embedding the connecting member 228 into the aluminum of the rail and providing an electrical connection between the rail and the connecting member 228. By assembling the connecting member 228 to the nut 218 and also assembling the nut 218 to the bolt 222, and through one or more protrusions (e.g., serrated, teeth, etc.) arranged on the underside of the bolt head 222, the anodizing on the flange 214 is penetrated, thus joining all the aforementioned elements to the clamp 204. The clamp 204 is attached to a module via the pin 302. Figure 4 illustrates a top view 400 of the end clamp 202 of Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates the position of the head 230 (shown in hidden dashed lines) of the connecting member 228, which is secured to form, when properly installed, a predetermined angle 402 with respect to the pair of opposite parallel sides 242(1) and 242(2) of the nut 218 on the outer surface 226 of the nut 218. The predetermined angle 402 is from approximately 17° to approximately 37°. The predetermined angle 402 of the head 230 secures the clamp 204 in a desired position when the end clamp 202 is installed on the rail segment 104.For example, at the time of installation, the end clamp 202 may be fully assembled, and a user may pass the head 230, in a first orientation, through a slot in the rail segment 104 and then rotate the end clamp 202 until the head 230, which has the predetermined angle 402, makes contact with opposite walls in the rail segment 104. After rotating the end clamp 202 to engage the head 230, which has the predetermined angle 402, with the opposite walls in the rail segment 104, the engaged head 230 ensures that the end clamp 202 is correctly positioned for maximum engagement force between the head 230 and the rail segment 104. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view 500 of a universal clamp in one embodiment of the present description as an intermediate clamp 502. The intermediate clamp 502 can be used to mount adjacent modules on a rail segment such as rail segment 104. For example, the intermediate clamp 502 can mount a pair of modules on rail segment 104. The intermediate clamp 502 may include a clamp 504, a nut 506, a connecting member 508, and a bolt 510. Since a more detailed description of the clamp 504, nut 506, connecting member 508, and bolt 510 has been given previously, specific details concerning these mechanisms are not repeated here. However, a brief description follows of how the clamp 504 relates to the mounting of a pair of modules. Figure 5 illustrates that the clamp 504 includes a first side-edge support portion 512 extending in a first direction 514 to bear against a side edge of a first module of adjacent modules. The first side-edge support portion 512 has at least a first surface 516 facing the first module and a second surface 518 opposite the first surface 516. The clamp 504 may further include a first flange 520 extending in a second direction 522 transverse to the first direction 514 to clamp against a top surface of the first module in coordination with the first side-edge support portion 512. Clamp 504 may further include a second flange 524 extending in the opposite direction to the second flange 522, so that clamp 504 is an intermediate clamp and clamp 504 is configured to secure adjacent modules under the first flange 520 and the second flange 524, respectively. The clamp 504 may further include a second side-edge support portion 526 extending in a direction parallel to the first direction 514 to bear against a side edge of a second module of adjacent modules. The second side-edge support portion 526 has at least a first surface 528 facing the second module and a second surface 530 opposite the first surface 528. Therefore, the second flange 524 may be clamped against a top surface of the second module in coordination with the second side-edge support portion 526.Although the clamp is shown as structurally continuous (i.e., materially integrally formed) in Figure 5, it is contemplated (and further shown in the end-clamp embodiment of the universal clamp in Figure 2) that the first flange 520 and / or the second flange 524 may be structurally distinct elements from the first side-edge support portion 512 and / or the second side-edge support portion 526. For example, the first flange 520 and / or the second flange 524 may be a first structurally continuous portion, and the first side-edge support portion 512 and / or the second side-edge support portion 526 may be a second structurally continuous portion. In such an embodiment having two structurally distinct elements, the first structurally continuous portion may be attached to the second structurally continuous portion. As shown in Figure 5, the clamp 504 includes a through-hole 532 located in an area of the material adjacent to the first flange 520 and the second flange 524. Upon installation, the bolt 510 passes through the through-hole 532 to connect to the nut 506. The nut 506 and the bolt 510 define a height-adjustment component where the bolt 510 is connected to the first end of the nut 506 such that, through the rotational movement of the bolt 510 within the nut 506, the height of the clamp 502 is adjustable to accommodate the heights of the adjacent modules below the first flange 520 and the second flange 524, respectively, to be clamped. Figure 6 illustrates a side view 600 of the intermediate clamp 502 of Figure 5. Figure 6 As similarly shown in Figure 3, Figure 6 illustrates that the head 602 of the connecting member 508 is defined by an inverted T-shape in a side profile thereof. The position of the T-shaped head 602 of the connecting element 508 is fixed to form, after installation, a predetermined angle (described in more detail below) with respect to the pair of opposing parallel sides 604(1) and 604(2) of the nut 506. The first parallel side 604(1) bears against the second surface 518 of the first support portion of the side rim 512, and the second side 604(2) bears against the second surface 530 of the second support portion of the side rim 526. The opposing parallel sides 604(1) and 604(2) of the nut 506 engage with the second surfaces 518 and 530 of the first and second support portions of the side rims 512 and 526.Therefore, nut 506 and connecting member 508 are configured to be fixed in place, thus preventing rotational movement. The 602 head of the connecting member 508 may include one or more 304 protrusions for piercing or engaging an anodized layer, a galvanized layer, a painted layer, etc. of the rail segment 104 for electrical connection to the rail segment 104. Figure 6 further illustrates that the first flange 520 and the second flange 524 may each include a pin 606(1) and 606(2), respectively, disposed on the lower surfaces of the first and second flanges 518 and 522. The pins 606(1) and 606(2), are configured, like pin 302, to pierce or engage an anodized layer, a galvanized layer, a painted layer, etc., of adjacent modules below the first flange 520 and the second flange 524, respectively, to electrically join with adjacent modules. Figure 7 illustrates a top view 700 of the intermediate clamp 502 of Figure 5. As shown, the position of the T-shaped head 602 (shown in hidden dashed lines) of the connecting member 508 is fixed to the nut 506 to form, when installed, a predetermined angle 702 with respect to the pair of opposite parallel sides 604(1) and 604(2) of the nut 506 on the outer surface of the nut 506. The predetermined angle 702 is from approximately 17° to approximately 37°. Figure 8 illustrates an assembled and installed view of the end clamp. Figure 202 in a rail segment 802, according to one embodiment of the present description. Figure 8 illustrates the first surface 210 of the side edge support portion 206 against a side edge 804 of a portion of a module 806 and the flange 214 held against a top surface 808 of the module 806 in coordination with the side edge support portion 206. Figure 8 further illustrates the consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232 mating with at least two corresponding teeth 240 (not visible in Figure 8) of the extension 238 while the flange 214 is clamped against the upper surface 808 of the module 806 in coordination with the support portion of the side rim 206. In addition, as shown, the first end cap 248(1) covers the right side of the clamp 204 and the second end cap 248(2) covers the left side of the clamp 204. However, Figure 8 depicts a groove 810 in rail segment 802. As discussed previously, the end cap 230 of connecting member 228 is shaped such that, in one orientation, the end cap 230 fits through the groove 810 in rail segment 802, and in a second orientation, it prevents the end cap 230 from passing through the groove 810 in rail segment 802. Because the end cap 230 of connecting member 228 has a rhomboidal cross-section, a portion of the end cap 230 is caught in the groove 810 in rail segment 802 to prevent the end cap 230 from passing through the groove 810. One or more protrusions 304 of the end cap 230 of connecting member 228 may pierce or compromise an anodized coating, a galvanized coating, a painted coating, etc. of a lower portion of one or more opposing flanges 812(1) and 812(2) defining the slot 810 of rail segment 802 for electrical connection with rail segment 802. Before tightening bolt 222 with nut 218, end clamp 202 can be slid along groove 810 of rail segment 802 to position end clamp 202 on rail segment 802 to accommodate module 806. After positioning end clamp 202 to accommodate module 806, bolt 222 can be tightened with nut 218 to engage at least two corresponding teeth 240 of extension 238 with consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232. Nut 218 can then be tightened to engage at least two corresponding teeth 240 of extension 238 with consecutive teeth 234 of the second protrusion 232 to adjust the height of clamp 204 to suit the height of module 806. Figure 9 illustrates an assembled and installed view 900 of the intermediate clamp 502 of Figure 5 on a rail segment 902, according to one embodiment of the present description. Figure 9 illustrates the first surface 516 of the first support portion of the side edge 512 against a side edge 904 of a portion of a first module 906 adjacent to a second module 908. The first flange 520 is clamped against a top surface 910 of the first module 906 in coordination with the first support portion of the side edge 516. The first surface 528 of the second side edge support portion 526 is arranged against a side edge 912 of a portion of the second module 908 and the second flange 524 is held against an upper surface 914 of the second module 908 in coordination with the second edge support portion 526. Similar to the configuration in Figure 8, Figure 9 also illustrates a groove 916 in rail segment 902. As discussed previously, the head 602 of connecting member 508 is shaped such that, in one orientation, the head 602 is accommodated to pass through the groove 916 in rail segment 902, and in a second orientation, it is prevented from passing through the groove 916 in rail segment 902. Because the head 602 of connecting member 508 has a rhomboidal cross-section, a portion of the head 602 is caught in the groove 916 in rail segment 902 to prevent the head from passing through the groove 916. One or more protrusions on the head of connecting member 508 may pierce or compromise an anodized layer, a galvanized layer, a painted layer, etc.of a lower portion of one or more opposing flanges 918(1) and 918(2) defining the slot 916 of rail segment 902 for electrical connection with rail segment 902. Before tightening bolt 510 with nut 506, intermediate clamp 502 can be slid along groove 916 of rail segment 902 to position the intermediate clamp 502 on rail segment 902 to accommodate the first module 906 and / or the second module 908. After positioning intermediate clamp 502 to accommodate the first module 906 and / or the second module 908, bolt 510 can be tightened with nut 506. Nut 218 can then be tightened to clamp first and second flanges 520 and 524 against the upper surfaces 910 and 914 of the first and second modules 906 and 908 to adjust the height of clamp 502 to suit the heights of the first and second modules 906 and 908. Example clauses include: A. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) on an intermediate member, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end to receive a fastener and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having an outer surface formed to engage with the second surface of the bearing portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut; and a connecting member extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, a head of the connecting member being formed such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate member, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove of the intermediate member is prevented. B. A clamp assembly as described in paragraph A, wherein the position of the connecting member head is fixed in an orientation with respect to the outer surface of the nut. C. A clamp assembly as described in paragraph A or B, wherein the nut and bolt define a height-adjusting component, wherein the bolt is connected to the nut in such a way that, through rotational movement of the bolt within the nut, the height of the clamp is adjustable to suit the height of a module. D. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs A to C, wherein the side rim support portion includes: a first protrusion having the first surface facing the module on the outside thereof and the second surface facing outward from the module on the inside thereof, and a second protrusion parallel to the first protrusion, the second protrusion having an inner surface facing the first protrusion and an outer surface facing the second protrusion, and wherein the outer surface of the nut has at least two parallel sides such that: a first side of the parallel sides bears on the second surface of the first protrusion of the side rim support portion, and a second side of the parallel sides bears on the inner surface of the second protrusion. E. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs A to D, wherein the nut is hexagonal or the nut is square. F. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs A to E, wherein the flange is structurally continuous with the side-edge support portion. G. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs A to F, wherein the flange is a first flange, and wherein the clamp further includes a second flange extending in the opposite direction to the second flange, such that the clamp is an intermediate clamp and the clamp is configured to secure adjacent modules beneath the first flange and the second flange, respectively. H. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs A to C, wherein the clamp is an end clamp such that the side-edge support portion is defined by a first protrusion connected parallel to a second protrusion to form an inverted U, the first protrusion being positioned, at the time of installation, against the side edge of the module, and the second protrusion having consecutive teeth along an outer side thereof, and wherein the flange is continuously connected to an extension having at least two corresponding teeth to engage the teeth of the side-edge support portion. I. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) on an intermediate member, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a height adjustment component comprising: a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having an outer surface shaped to engage with the second surface of the support portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut, and a fastener configured to connect to the first end of the nut such that, through rotational movement between the nut and the fastener, the height of the clamp is adjustable to accommodate the height of the module; and a connecting element extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, a head of the connecting element being shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate element, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove of the intermediate element is prevented. J. A clamp assembly as described in paragraph I, wherein the nut is a hexagonal sleeve, wherein the head of the connecting member is defined by a T-shape in a side profile thereof, and wherein the position of the T-shape of the head of the connecting member is fixed to form a predetermined angle with respect to a pair of opposite parallel sides of the hexagonal sleeve on the outer surface of the nut. K. A clamp assembly as described in paragraphs I or J, wherein the default angle is from approximately 17° to approximately 37°. L. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs I to K, wherein the side rim support portion is defined by a first protrusion connected parallel to a second protrusion to form an inverted U shape, and wherein, upon installation, the pair of opposite parallel sides of the hexagonal sleeve on the outer surface of the nut engages with the side rim support portion such that a first side of the opposite parallel sides engages with the first protrusion, and a second side of the opposite parallel sides engages with the second protrusion, thereby securing the nut and connecting member in place, preventing rotational movement. M. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs I to L, wherein when installed, when in the second orientation, the predetermined angle is measured between a plane coplanar with the first or second side of the parallel opposite sides and a plane coplanar with a side of parallel-length sides of the connecting member head. N. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs I to M, wherein the head of the connecting element has a rhomboidal cross section, thereby minimizing a portion that must be trapped in the groove of the intermediate element to prevent passage through it, thus minimizing the material of the connecting member. O. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) on an intermediate element, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a height adjustment component comprising: a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having a multi-sided outer surface to fit at least one side thereof with the second surface of the support portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut, and a bolt to connect to the first end of the nut so that, through rotational movement between the nut and the bolt, the height of the clamp is adjustable to accommodate a module height;and a connecting element extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, the head of the connecting element being configured such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate element, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove of the intermediate element is prevented, the position of the head of the connecting element being fixed with respect to the outer surface of the nut. P. A clamp assembly as described in paragraph O, wherein the clamp is an end clamp, and wherein the clamp assembly further comprises: a first end cap to cover a right side of the clamp; and a second end cap to cover a left side of the clamp. Q. A clamp assembly as described in paragraph O or P, wherein the side rim support portion and the flange include a through hole, respectively, through which the bolt passes during installation to connect to the nut. R. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs O to Q, wherein the nut is hexagonal. S. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs I to R, wherein the head of the connecting member is defined by a T-shape in a side profile thereof. T. A clamp assembly as described in any of paragraphs O to S, wherein the side rim support portion includes: a first protrusion having the first surface facing the module on the outside thereof and the second surface facing outward from the module on the inside thereof, and a second protrusion parallel to the first protrusion, the second protrusion having an inner surface facing the first protrusion and an outer surface facing the second protrusion, and wherein the outer surface of the nut has at least two parallel sides such that: a first side of the parallel sides bears on the second surface of the first protrusion of the side rim support portion, and a second side of the parallel sides bears on the inner surface of the second protrusion. Conclusion Although several modalities have been described in specific language regarding structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative ways of implementing the claimed subject matter.
Claims
1. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) to an intermediate member, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against an upper surface of the module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end to receive a fastener and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having an outer surface formed to fit with the second surface of the bearing portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut; and a connecting member extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, a head of the connecting member being shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate member, and in a second orientation, the head is prevented from passing through the groove of the intermediate member.
2. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the position of the connecting element head is fixed in an orientation with respect to the outer surface of the nut.
3. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the nut and bolt define a height adjustment component, wherein the bolt is connected to the nut such that, by rotating the bolt within the nut, the height of the clamp is adjustable to accommodate a module height.
4. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side edge support portion includes: a first protrusion having the first surface facing the module on the outside thereof and the second surface facing away from the module on the inside thereof, and a second projection parallel to the first protrusion, the second protrusion having an inner surface facing the first protrusion and an outer surface facing the second protrusion, and wherein the outer surface of the nut has at least two parallel sides such that: a first side of the parallel sides rests on the second surface of the first protrusion of the side edge support portion, and a second side of the parallel sides rests on the inner surface of the second protrusion.
5. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the nut is hexagonal or the nut is square.
6. The clamping assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flange is structurally continuous with the support portion of the side edge.
7. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flange is a first flange, and wherein the clamp further includes a second flange extending in the opposite direction to the second flange, such that the clamp is an intermediate clamp, and the clamp is configured to secure adjacent modules beneath the first flange and the second flange, respectively.
8. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the clamp is an end clamp such that the side-edge support portion is defined by a first protrusion connected parallel to a second protrusion to form an inverted U-shape, the first protrusion being positioned, after installation, against the side edge of the module, and the second protrusion having consecutive teeth along an outer side thereof, and wherein the flange is continuously connected to an extension having at least two corresponding teeth for engaging with the teeth of the side-edge support portion.
9. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) to an intermediate member, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a height adjustment component comprising: a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having an outer surface shaped to fit with the second surface of the support portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut, and a fastener configured to connect to the first end of the nut so that, through rotational movement between the nut and the fastener, the height of the clamp can be adjusted to suit the height of the module;and 7.! 7fimiV7JN7.ra / Yl a connecting member extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, a head of the connecting member is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate member, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove of the intermediate member is prevented.; 10. The clamp assembly according to claim 9, wherein the nut is a hexagonal sleeve, wherein the head of the connecting member is defined by a T-shape in a side profile thereof, and wherein the position of the T-shape of the head of the connecting member is fixed to form a predetermined angle with respect to a pair of opposite parallel sides of the hexagonal sleeve on the outer surface of the nut.
11. The clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined angle is from approximately 175 to approximately 37s.
12. The clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein the side rim support portion is defined by a first projection connected parallel to a second projection to form an inverted U shape, and wherein, after installation, the pair of opposite parallel sides of the hexagonal sleeve on the outer surface of the nut engages with the side rim support portion such that a first side of the opposite parallel sides engages with the first projection, and a second opposite side of the opposite parallel sides engages with the second projection, thereby securing the nut and connecting member in place and preventing rotational movement.
13. The clamp assembly according to claim 12, wherein during installation, when in the second orientation, the predetermined angle is measured between a plane coplanar with the first or second side of the opposite parallel sides and a plane coplanar with one side of the parallel-length sides of the connecting member head.
14. The clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein the head of the connecting member has a rhomboidal cross-section, thereby minimizing a portion that is trapped in the groove of the intermediate member to prevent passage through it, thus minimizing the material of the connecting member.
15. A clamp assembly for mounting a solar panel module (module) on an intermediate member, the clamp assembly comprising: a clamp including: a side-edge support portion extending in a first direction to bear against a side edge of the module, the side-edge support portion having at least a first surface facing the module and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a flange extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against a top surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the side-edge support portion;a height adjustment component comprising: a nut configured to align with the clamp, the nut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the nut having a multi-sided outer surface to engage at least one side thereof with the second surface of the support portion of the side edge of the clamp to prevent rotation of the nut, and a bolt to connect to the first end of the nut so that, through rotational movement between the nut and the bolt, the height of the clamp is adjustable to suit the height of the module;and a connecting member extending from the second end of the nut in a fixed position, a head of the connecting member being shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head accommodates passage through a groove in the intermediate member, and in a second orientation, passage of the head through the groove of the intermediate member is prevented, the position of the head of the connecting member being fixed with respect to the outer surface of the nut.
16. The clamp assembly according to claim 15, wherein the clamp is an end clamp, and wherein the clamp assembly further comprises: a first end cap for covering a right side of the clamp; and a second end cap for covering a left side of the clamp.
17. The clamp assembly according to claim 15, wherein the side rim support portion and the flange include a through hole, respectively, through which the bolt passes during installation to connect to the nut.
18. The clamp assembly according to claim 15, wherein the nut is hexagonal.
19. The clamp assembly according to claim 15, wherein the head of the connecting element is defined by a T-shape in a side profile thereof.
20. The fastening assembly according to claim 15, wherein the side rim support portion includes: a first protrusion having the first surface facing the module on the outside thereof and the second surface facing away from the module on the inside thereof, and a second projection parallel to the first protrusion, the second protrusion having an inner surface facing the first protrusion and an outer surface facing the second protrusion, and wherein the outer surface of the nut has at least two parallel sides such that: a first side of the parallel sides rests on the second surface of the first protrusion of the side rim support portion, and a second side of the parallel sides rests on the inner surface of the second protrusion.