Adjustable Bottom Clamp for Precise Solar Panel Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel bottom clamps often have fixed position clips, making it difficult for installers to position solar panels with precision, and adjustable clamps can be inconvenient to use after installation.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel bottom clamp design featuring a base, a clamping member with a hooked portion, and a threaded fastener that allows for easy adjustment and secure engagement of the solar panel frame, optionally assisted by a spring for smooth installation and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed position clips are used in solar panel bottom clamps, then the clamp structure is simple, but it is difficult for installers to position solar panels with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is designed with a movable clamping member that can slide along the clamp body between a first position (for engagement) and a second position (for disengagement). This dynamic structure allows the clamp to adapt to different panel positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall design, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and structure complexity.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable clamps are used to improve installation flexibility, then ease of operation improves, but convenience for adjustment after installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct segments: a clamp body, a clamping member, and a release mechanism. The clamping member can be independently moved along the clamp body, and the release mechanism provides a dedicated interface for tool-free adjustment. This segmentation allows easy operation during installation while maintaining convenience for future adjustments without requiring complex disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A release mechanism serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the clamping member. This release mechanism provides a user-friendly interface for tool-free adjustment, allowing easy operation during installation and convenient adjustment after installation without requiring direct manipulation of the clamping members themselves.
3Shape
If under-the-panel clamps are used to create a cleaner appearance, then aesthetic quality improves, but accessibility for securement and dissecurement may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to engage with the underside of the solar panel frame, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve a clean top-surface appearance. Simultaneously, the release mechanism is positioned to provide accessible operation from the sides or bottom, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic quality and accessibility by operating in different spatial dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and convenient installation and removal of solar panels, with easy access for securement and dissecurement, and can be adapted for various solar panel mounting systems, improving installer efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel bottom clamp can include a spring to aid in installation
Implementation Method 2
The threaded fastener non-threadably engages opposing sides of the base and threadably engages the clamping member causing the clamping member to move between the opposing sides below the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel bottom clamp assembly that secures the underside of a solar panel frame (i.e. the return flange of the solar panel) to a solar panel mounting device that is securable to a roof. The solar panel bottom clamp is adjustable, allowing the solar panel to be positioned and then secured to the solar panel bottom clamp. The solar panel bottom clamp assembly includes a base, a clamping member, a threaded fastener, and optionally, a spring. The base includes a platform for seating the solar panel. The clamping member includes a clamping member body and a hooked portion positioned above the clamping member body with an indentation for engaging the return flange. The threaded fastener non-threadably engages opposing sides of the base and threadably engages the clamping member causing the clamping member to move between the opposing sides below the platform.