Attachment device for a panel, in particular for a solar panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening solutions for frameless solar panels face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, complexity in assembly, precision requirements, and degradation under severe climatic conditions, particularly due to the use of metal frames and elastomer parts.
Innovation Solution
A C-section metal flange with a movable lower jaw and integral plastic foam buffers, along with a metal clip, is used to securely fasten frameless solar panels to a supporting structure rail, allowing for translation and rotation movements to accommodate panel bending and reduce stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame is used to stiffen the module, then the module can withstand strong stresses and pass certification tests, but the manufacturing cost increases by more than 10%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal frame from the module structure entirely, extracting the stiffening function and replacing it with an alternative solution. The frameless design eliminates the costly metal frame while maintaining structural integrity through a different mechanical approach using resilient elements and bonding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures, particularly the combination of resilient elements (elastomer or spring) with rigid components (flanges, bonding elements). This composite approach provides both the necessary mechanical strength and flexibility to replace the metal frame's function without incurring its cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer parts are used in fastening elements, then the module can accommodate some deformation, but the elastomer parts degrade rapidly under severe climatic conditions and mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements in the form of resilient components (elastomer or spring) that can adapt to deformation while maintaining fastening function. These dynamic elements allow the fastening system to accommodate panel movement and thermal expansion without rigid constraint, thereby preventing stress concentration and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter selection for resilient elements, specifying elastomer or spring materials with appropriate mechanical properties to resist degradation under climatic conditions. The solution involves selecting materials and design parameters that maintain reliability while providing necessary flexibility.
3Device complexity
If rigid fasteners are used to fix the module, then the module structure is simple, but stress concentrations occur at the edges during heavy weight load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cushioning elements (resilient parts, elastomer, or spring) between the rigid fastening components and the panel edge. This beforehand cushioning prevents direct rigid contact that would cause stress concentration, allowing the simple fastening structure to protect the panel edges during heavy loads.
4Reliability
If precise positioning between fasteners on the panel and fixing elements on the rails is required, then the fastening system is reliable, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the fastening components, particularly the dimensions and positioning features of flanges and bonding elements. These parameter changes enable tolerance compensation and simplify field assembly while maintaining fastening reliability, allowing for easier installation without precise positioning requirements.
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
The solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and simple-to-manufacture fastening system that maintains panel stability and electrical efficiency, while accommodating panel deformation under load without rapid degradation, ensuring long-term mechanical strength and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
At least one plastic foam buffer integral with an internal face of each of the jaws, and comprising a free surface which can be bonded to the edge of the panel when the jaws enclose said edge
Implementation Method 2
A metal clip comprising at least one flexible fixing tongue intended to come into contact with the lower wall when the clip is inserted into an interlocking space defined by the lower jaw, the bottom and the lower wall of the flange, and to maintain the clip in said interlocking space
Implementation Method 3
allowing for translation and rotation movements to accommodate panel bending and reduce stress concentrations
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment device (100) for securing a panel (10) to a rail (20) of a bearing structure, comprising: a metal flange (30) with a C-shaped cross-section defining an upper jaw (31), a bottom (32) and a lower wall (33), and comprising a movable lower jaw (34) arranged between the upper jaw (31) and the lower wall (33); the jaws (31, 34) being designed to clasp an edge (1) of the panel (10); at least one pad (40) made of plastic foam secured to an inner face of each of the jaws (31, 34) and comprising a free surface that can be bonded to the edge (1) of the panel (10) when the jaws (31, 34) clasp said edge (1); a metal clip (50) comprising at least one flexible attachment tab (51) designed to make contact with the lower wall (33) when the clip (50) is inserted into an interlocking space (39) defined by the lower jaw (34), the bottom (32) and the lower wall (33) of the flange (30), and to hold the clip (50) within said interlocking space (39).