Self-adjusting end clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel installation methods require penetrating the surface to secure solar panels, which compromises the surface integrity and can lead to damage from wind and seismic activity, especially on rooftops where moisture sealing is critical.
Innovation Solution
The wind tunnel optimized solar panel system uses strategically placed windscreens and ballast weights to reduce uplift and increase downforce, allowing for secure installation without surface penetrations, utilizing a racking system that includes windscreens, wind grates, and ballast weights to distribute weight effectively and enhance structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional penetration methods are used to secure solar panels, then the panels can be firmly attached to the surface, but the surface integrity is compromised and moisture sealing is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the penetration method from the attachment system and replaces it with a ballasted racking system that secures panels through weight and friction rather than mechanical penetration, thereby maintaining surface integrity while achieving secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ballast weights to counteract uplift forces from wind and seismic activity, providing the necessary holding force without penetrating the surface. The ballast acts as a counterweight that maintains attachment strength through gravitational force
2Reliability
If multiple surface penetrations are made to secure solar panels, then the panels are firmly anchored, but the surface's integrity and moisture sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the penetration component entirely from the attachment system, using instead a non-penetrating ballasted system that achieves reliable anchoring through weight distribution and friction at the surface level, preserving moisture sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a racking system with ballast as an intermediary between the solar panels and the surface, transferring loads through the racking structure and ballast weights rather than direct penetration, thereby maintaining surface integrity and moisture barriers
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional racking systems are used, then solar panels can be installed, but the system requires numerous surface penetrations that compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the penetration requirement from the installation process, providing a racking system that can be installed without any surface penetrations, simplifying the manufacturing and installation process while eliminating surface damage
Solution Approach 2:
The ballasted racking system is self-securing through its own weight and the weight of ballast, requiring no additional penetration or complex fastening operations, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining surface integrity
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
This solution reduces the need for surface penetrations, simplifies the installation process, lowers installation costs, and provides enhanced stability against wind and seismic forces, while maintaining the integrity of the installation surface.
Implementation Method 1
ballast weights that use the force of gravity to keep the solar panel system in place
Implementation Method 2
reduce the lift on a solar panel system caused by wind
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.