Blind Rivet Nut Assembly for Mixed-Size Solar Panel Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar panels in photovoltaic systems is complicated and error-prone due to the need for multiple fastener sizes to match varying opening sizes in the panels and support structures, requiring access from both sides and leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of blind rivet nuts with a consistent internal thread size and adjustable external sizes, allowing for one-sided access and the same setting tool for different sizes, along with features like indicator projections and surface structures for electrical conductivity, simplifies the assembly process and reduces errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fastener sizes are used to match varying opening sizes, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blind rivet nut is designed with a universal internal thread size (e.g., M5) that remains constant across different external sizes. This allows a single setting tool with a corresponding threaded spindle to install all blind rivet nut variants, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining proper fit for different opening sizes through varied external dimensions
2Strength
If access from both sides is required for screw and bolt connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The nut component is extracted and integrated into the blind rivet nut as a built-in internal thread structure. This eliminates the need for a separate nut to be threaded onto a bolt from the opposite side, allowing the entire fastening operation to be completed from a single side while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the expanding closing head
3Adaptability or versatility
If different fastener sizes are used for different opening sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool is designed with universal compatibility to install all blind rivet nut sizes through a single threaded spindle interface. Installers only need to select the appropriate blind rivet nut external size for each opening, not the tool itself, thereby maintaining adaptability across different opening sizes while significantly improving installation speed and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
Different blind rivet nut sizes are provided with distinct color codes on their external surfaces. This visual identification system enables installers to quickly select the correct size for each opening without confusion, maintaining adaptability while improving productivity by eliminating selection errors and reducing installation time
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 method enables quick and reliable connection of solar panels to support structures with reduced risk of assembly errors, using the same setting tool for various sizes and ensuring electrical conductivity, even with surface coatings, thus streamlining the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a closing head is formed by applying a tensile force
Implementation Method 2
forming a closing head... by actuating a pulling device having a threaded spindle screwed into the internal thread
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A method for connecting a multitude of individual objects (2) to a support structure (3) is described, in which connecting means are guided through an opening in each object (2) and an opening in the support structure (3), wherein the openings in the objects (2) and/or the openings in the support structure (3) have different sizes. The aim is to enable the simple and rapid connection of a multitude of objects to the support structure.For this purpose, it is provided that blind rivet nuts (5) with a rivet shank (6) and an internal thread are used as fastening means and that a closing head is formed by actuating a pulling device which has a threaded spindle which is screwed into the internal thread of the respective blind rivet nut (5), wherein at least two blind rivet nuts have different external sizes and the external size of the blind rivet nut is selected according to the size of the respective openings, wherein the blind rivet nuts have internal threads of the same size regardless of their external size.