Bifacial Solar Module Mount With Removable Reflective Shaft Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar module holding devices for bifacial solar modules lack modularity, robustness, and longevity while being costly to manufacture, and they require complex assembly processes to protect reflection surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A solar module holding device with a carrier unit and a separate reflection unit, where the reflection unit is a cover element with a reflection surface that can be easily mounted and dismounted independently, allowing for a compact design and simplified assembly, and is designed to reflect incident light onto the solar modules effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the reflection unit is integrated into the support shaft as a single component, then the device structure is simplified, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases to protect reflection surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the support shaft and the reflection unit are independent components that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflection unit is extracted from the support shaft structure, allowing it to be produced independently using more cost-effective methods. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive integrated manufacturing processes while simplifying the support shaft design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the reflection unit is integrated into the support shaft, then the device appears more robust, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring protection of reflection surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice robustnessVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into separate modules, the assembly process becomes more straightforward. Each module can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then combined without requiring complex protection measures for reflection surfaces during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate reflection unit design allows for self-contained assembly of each component before final integration. The reflection surfaces are protected within their own module during manufacturing and assembly, eliminating the need for special protection measures during the main assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the reflection unit is separate from the support shaft, then modularity is improved and assembly is simplified, but the device may appear less robust

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodularityVSAvoiddevice robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design provides modularity while maintaining robustness through standardized connection interfaces. Each module remains structurally sound on its own, and the connection between modules is designed to be as strong as the individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate modules are combined through a robust connection mechanism that integrates them into a unified, stable structure. The combination maintains the robustness of individual components while adding the benefits of modularity and simplified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves high modularity, low manufacturing costs, and a robust design with improved energy yield by allowing easy assembly and maintenance, while protecting cables and ensuring efficient light reflection for energy generation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one reflection unit for reflecting incident light onto a side facing the support shaft of a bifacial solar module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4096089B1Solar module holding device
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 ZIMMERMANN ROBERT
  • EP4096089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4096089B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4096089B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a solar module holding device for mounting bifacial solar modules (12a; 12b; 12c), comprising at least one support unit (18a; 18b; 18c), wherein the support unit (18a; 18b; 18c) comprises at least one support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c) which is designed to support at least one bifacial solar module (12a; 12b; 12c) arranged on an imaginary mounting plane (16a; 16b; 16c), wherein the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c) is arranged at least substantially parallel to the mounting plane (16a; 16b; 16c), and with at least one reflection unit (24a; 24b; 24c) for reflecting incident light onto a surface adjacent to the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c) side facing a bifacial solar module (12a; 12b; 12c) supported on the imaginary mounting plane (16a; 16b; 16c) via the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c).It is proposed that the reflection unit (24a; 24b; 24c) comprises at least one cover element (44a; 44b; 44c) which has at least one reflective surface (46a; 46b; 46c) and is designed separately from the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c), wherein the cover element (44a; 44b; 44c) is intended to be attached in the immediate vicinity of the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c), and wherein the cover element (44a; 44b; 44c) is intended to cover at least one outer surface (48a; 48b; 48c) of the support shaft (20a; 20b; 20c) in at least one mounted state of the cover element (44a; 44b; 44c).