A solar panel clamp for water drainage and panel separation during transportation and stacking

Abstract

A solar panel clamp with dual-functionality, including an L-shaped upper portion (1) with an upper and lower surface (100, 101), and a lower portion (3). The clamp is designed to enhance solar panel performance by facilitating efficient water drainage through capillary action and ensuring secure separation of panels during stacking and transportation. This invention addresses key challenges related to water accumulation and physical damage, thereby improving the durability and operational efficiency of solar panel installations.

Description

A SOLAR PANEL CLAMP FOR WATER DRAINAGE AND PANEL SEPARATION DURING TRANSPORTATION AND STACKINGCROSS REFERENCE TO EARLIER APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from the provisional U.S. patent application number 63 / 541 , 857 filed on 01 -Oct-2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solar panels, and more particularly to a solar panel clamp with dual-functionality configured to enhance efficiency and durability of photovoltaic (PV) panels by facilitating water drainage and providing separation between panels during stacking and transportation, thereby improving stability, preventing damage, and extending the operational lifetime of solar panels.BACKGROUND

[0002] The operational environment of solar panels poses several challenges that can significantly affect their performance and longevity. One of the common issues that obstructs sunlight absorption is the accumulation of water on the panel surface, which usually leads to a reduction in energy efficiency and a potential formation and accumulation of lime and debris. Additionally, during transportation and stacking, solar panels are exposed to physical damage, such as scratches, micro-cracks, and misalignment, due to inadequate separation. The PV industry has long recognized the need for solutions that address these problems comprehensively to maintain the efficiency and durability of solar panel systems.

[0003] Therefore, previous attempts in the prior art were done in order to overcome these problems. For instance, the Japanese patent publication number JP2018186667 discloses a drainage structure for solar cell modules. This structure prevents theaccumulation of rainwater, dirt, and dust at the junction between the solar cell panel and the frame.

[0004] Solarud, a company specialized in solar panel solutions has a commercially available solar panel clamp that is configured to prevent clogging, and help in maintaining the cleanliness of solar panels.

[0005] Another company, Prasham Greens, discloses another water draining clamp for solar panels, the clamp uses structural designs to facilitate water drainage, thus preventing dust and hard water stains from accumulating.

[0006] Eckpack also developed a solar panel corner protector that is configured to provide secure separation between stacked solar panels during transportation. The solar panel corner protector ensure that each panel is supported without exerting pressure on the panel beneath it, thus preventing damage such as scratches, cracks, or misalignment. .

[0007] Another commercially available plastic corner protector is configured to safeguard solar panels during stacking and transportation. It serves as a protective barrier between panels, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of scratches, cracks, and other forms of physical damage.

[0008] None of the prior art documents discloses a solar panel clamp with dual functionality that combines both efficient water drainage solutions and an effective separator for transportation and stacking of solar panels to enhance the performance, protection, and longevity of solar panels.SUMMARY

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solar panel clamp configured to enhance both the water drainage efficiency and the protection of solar panels during transportation and stacking, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of solar panels.

[0010] In aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a solar panel clamp that may include an L-shaped upper portion with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a lower portion.

[0011] In aspects of the present disclosure, the lower portion may be separably connected or fixedly attached to the L-shaped upper portion.

[0012] In aspects of the present disclosure, the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion may include one or more extrusions, a first L-shaped protrusion, and a second L-shaped protrusion.

[0013] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first L-shaped protrusion and the second L-shaped protrusion may have different thicknesses or similar thicknesses.

[0014] In aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more extrusions may include an outer side and an inner side.

[0015] In aspects of the present disclosure, the outer side of each one or more extrusions may have plurality of threads configured to enable the solar panel clamp to adapt to various solar panel sizes.

[0016] In aspects of the present disclosure, the inner side of each one or more extrusions may have one or more vertical protrusions configured to provide spacing between a solar panel and the solar panel clamp, acting as drainage channels to direct water flow, facilitate water movement, and prevent water pooling.

[0017] In aspects of the present disclosure, the first L-shaped protrusion configured to ensure correct placement of the solar panel clamp on a solar panel corner.

[0018] In aspects of the present disclosure, the second L-shaped configured to provide spacing between the solar panel and the solar panel clamp, to create capillary action that directs water through the spacing toward the drainage channels for efficient drainage.

[0019] In aspects of the present disclosure, the solar panel clamp may be made of low- to-medium surface energy materials, which facilitates drainage by minimizing water adhesion, allowing water to flow freely through drainage channels.

[0020] In aspects of the present disclosure, the low-to-medium surface energy materials may be selected from a group including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

[0021] In aspects of the present disclosure, the solar panel clamp may be positioned at the comers of the solar panels to act as a separator, providing uniform weight distribution during stacking and transportation, thereby enhancing stability and minimizing pressure points and the risk of damage.

[0022] In aspects of the present disclosure, the upper surface of the L-shaped upper portion may have a protrusion configured to separate adjacent solar panels during stacking and transportation, prevent the panels from sliding over each other and ensure proper alignment and stability.

[0023] In aspects of the present disclosure, the lower portion may have one or more openings configured to interlock with the one or more extrusions of the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion, thereby ensuring secure attachment of the solar panel clamp onto the solar panels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, without however limiting the scope of the disclosure thereof, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar panel clamp with dual-functionality configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of an L-shaped upper portion of the solar panel clamp illustrating its structure and configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the solar panel clamp, showing the lower portion fixedly attached to the L-shaped upper portion, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the L-shaped upper portion of the solar panel clamp, showing the arrangement of extrusions and protrusions in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the solar panel clamp installed on solar panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5B is a zoomed-in view of the circled portion of FIG. 5A, illustrating the clamp’s installation on the solar panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a solar panel clamp with dual-functionality configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The solar panel clamp is configured to act as a water drainage facilitator and as a separator for PV panels when stacked over each other to improve efficiency and longevity of PV panels. The solar panel clamp of the present disclosure may include an L-shaped upper portion 1 with an upper surface 100 and a lower surface 101 , and a protrusion 10 extending from the upper surface 100 forming a lip. The lower surface 101 has one or more extrusions 2a, 2b extending perpendicularly therefrom, each of the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b has an outer surface 20a, 20b and an inner surface 21a, 21 b. The inner surface 21a, 21 b may have one or more vertical protrusions 210a, 211a, 210b, 211 b, respectively. The one or more vertical protrusions 210a, 211a, 210b, 211 b may be configured to provide spacing between a solar panel and the solar panel clamp of the present disclosure to form drainage channels between the inner surfaces 21a, 21 b and the solar panel. Thelower surface 101 of the upper portion 1 may further include a first L-shaped protrusion 102 configured to ensure correct placement of the solar panel clamp on a solar panel corner, and a second L-shaped protrusion 103 configured to provide spacing between the solar panel and the solar panel clamp. The solar panel clamp of the present disclosure may further include a lower portion 3. The clamp in embodiments of the present disclosure is designed to enhance both water drainage and the protection of solar panels during stacking and transportation.

[0032] Reference is now being made to FIGS. 1 , 3. In some embodiments, the lower portion 3 may be configured to temporarily slide over the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b during installation of the solar panel clamp on solar panels.

[0033] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the temporary sliding movement of the lower portion 3 over the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b is configured to adapt the solar panel clamp to various solar panel sizes. The one or more extrusions 2a, 2b of the L- shaped upper surface ensure that the clamp can securely grip panels of different thicknesses.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outer surface 20a, 20b of the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b may have a plurality of threads 200a, 200b.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower portion 3 may have one or more openings 30a, 30b, each is configured to receive the one of the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b. Each of the one or more openings 30a, 30b may also have an extension 3a, 3b configured to act as a pawl with the plurality of threads 20a, 20b to provide a self-locking mechanism. This mechanism would ensure a secure attachment of the clamp to the solar panels, thereby preventing detachment during transportation. The self-locking mechanism is operable by hand, allowing for tool-free installation and removal of the solar panel clamp.

[0036] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower portion 3 may be configured to be separably connected to the L-shaped upper portion 1.

[0037] In yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower portion 3 is fixedly connected to one or more extrusions 2a, 2b and is not separable from the one or more extrusions 2a, 2b.

[0038] The L-shaped upper portion 1 , the one or more extrusions 2, and the lower portion 3 are configured to work together, ensuring efficient water movement and secure panel separation, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of solar panel systems.

[0039] In embodiments of the disclosure, the protrusion 10 of the L-shaped upper portion 1 is designed to facilitate the separation of adjacent solar panels during stacking and transportation, and to prevent panels from sliding over one another, thus ensuring proper alignment and stability and reducing potential physical damage to the solar panels.

[0040] Reference is now being made to FIG. 4. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacing between the solar panel and the solar panel clamp provided by the second L-shaped protrusion 103 is configured to create a capillary action that directs water through the spacing toward the drainage channels for efficient drainage.

[0041] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first L-shaped protrusion 102 and the second L-shaped protrusion 103 may have different thicknesses or similar thicknesses.

[0042] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the solar panel clamp is made from low-to-medium surface energy materials that minimize water adhesion, this would allow water to flow freely through drainage channels.

[0043] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the high surface energy materials may be selected from a group including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, and ABS.

[0044] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the capillary action, driven by the adhesive interaction between the water molecules and the high surface energy materials, enables the drainage channels to effectively manage water accumulation.

[0045] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the solar panel clamp is positioned at comers of the panels to provide uniform weight distribution during stacking thus ensuring stability and minimizing pressure points while preventing potential damage that would occur from uneven weight distribution (FIGS. 5A, 5B).

[0046] The low-to-medium surface energy materials described herein refer to materials that tend to exhibit hydrophobic or slightly hydrophilic properties, causing water and other liquids to bead up rather than spread evenly across their surfaces.

[0047] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various additions, omissions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0048] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0049] As used herein, the term “and” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to collective nature only.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A solar panel clamp comprising: an L-shaped upper portion having an upper surface, and a lower surface; and a lower portion configured to connect to the L-shaped upper portion.

2. The solar panel clamp of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion is configured to be separably connected to the L-shaped upper portion.

3. The solar panel clamp of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion is configured to be fixedly attached to the L-shaped upper portion.

4. The solar panel clamp of claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the L-shaped upper portion further comprises a protrusion.

5. The solar panel clamp of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion comprises one or more extrusions, a first L-shaped protrusion, and a second L-shaped protrusion.

6. The solar panel clamp of claim 5, wherein each one or more extrusions comprises an outer surface and an inner surface.

7. The solar panel clamp of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the one or more extrusions has plurality of threads.

8. The solar panel clamp of claim 6, wherein the inner surface of the one or more extrusions has one or more vertical protrusions configured to provide spacing between a solar panel and the solar panel clamp, acting as drainage channels to direct water flow, facilitate water movement, and prevent water pooling.

9. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 5, wherein the first L-shaped protrusion of the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion is configured to ensure correct placement of the solar panel clamp on a solar panel corner.

10. The solar panel clamp of claims 5 or 8, wherein the second L-shaped protrusion is configured to provide spacing between the solar panel and the solar panel clamp to enable water to drain toward the drainage channels.

11. The solar panel clamp of claim 10, wherein the spacing provided by the second L-shaped protrusion creates a capillary action that directs water through the spacing toward the drainage channels for efficient drainage.

12. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 , 2 or 5, wherein the lower portion further comprises one or more openings configured to receive the one or more extrusions of the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion.

13. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 8, wherein the solar panel clamp is made of low-to-medium surface energy materials, which facilitates drainage by minimizing water adhesion, allowing water to flow freely through the drainage channels.

14. The solar panel clamp of claim 13, wherein the low-to-medium surface energy materials are selected from a group comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

15. The solar panel clamp of claim 1 , wherein the solar panel clamp is positioned at comers of solar panels to provide uniform weight distribution during stacking and transportation, while providing stability and minimizing pressure points and preventing potential damage that would occur from uneven weight distribution.

16. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 4, wherein the protrusion of the upper surface is extended from the L-shaped upper portion to form a lip configured to separate adjacent solar panels during stacking and transportation, prevent the panels from sliding over each other and ensure proper alignment and stability.

17. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 7, wherein the plurality of threads of the one or more extrusions of the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion together with the lower portion are configured to enable the solar panel clamp to adapt to various solar panel sizes.

18. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 12, wherein one or more openings of the lower portion are further configured to interlock with the plurality of threads of the one or more extrusions of the lower surface of the L-shaped upper portion, thereby providing a self-locking mechanism to provide secure attachment of the solar panel clamp onto solar panels, and preventing detachment during transportation.

19. The solar panel clamp of claims 1 or 5, wherein the lower portion is temporarily slidable over the one or more extrusions.

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