Mounting structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional top-down mounting of photovoltaic and other panels in closely packed arrays complicates maintenance and reduces space efficiency, as accessing individual panels is difficult and requires aisles or corridors, which reduce solar power generation.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with a structural member and securing member design that allows for panel dismantling from the inside or underside, featuring flanges and channels for secure engagement and alignment, along with a water-resistant cap to prevent water intrusion, facilitating safer and easier maintenance while maintaining space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If panels are mounted in a closely packed array using conventional top-down mounting, then space efficiency and solar power generation are maximized, but maintenance access to individual panels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-down mounting approach by implementing bottom-up mounting. Panels are mounted from the underside of the roof structure, allowing maintenance personnel to access panels from below. This inversion resolves the contradiction by enabling easy maintenance access while maintaining close-packed array configuration for maximum space efficiency and solar power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by mounting panels vertically or at angles from the roof underside rather than horizontally from above. This dimensional change allows maintenance access from the accessible underside of the roof while maintaining efficient space utilization and solar exposure.
2Ease of repair
If aisles or corridors are provided to enable maintenance access to PV panels, then maintenance ease is improved, but space efficiency and solar power generation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting direction to bottom-up, the patent eliminates the need for aisles or corridors. Maintenance personnel can access panels from the roof underside without requiring horizontal clearance space, thus maintaining 100% space efficiency while improving maintenance ease.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional top-down mounting is used, then assembly is straightforward, but individual panel dismantling for maintenance is difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom-up mounting approach simplifies both assembly and dismantling operations. Panels can be easily installed and removed from the roof underside using simple lifting actions, eliminating the need for complex climbing and positioning operations required in top-down mounting. This improves both ease of manufacture and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure enables single-person operation for panel installation and removal. The design allows individuals to safely handle and position panels without requiring multiple workers or complex equipment, making the system self-servicing and significantly improving maintenance ease and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mounting structure comprising a structural member having a first surface adapted to engage a support and at least one first flange extending outwardly from a second surface, wherein the first surface is distal from the first flange; and at least one securing member comprising at least one second flange extending outwardly from a surface of the securing member, wherein the securing member is operable to juxtapose with the structural member via the first surface, and engage with the structural member to secure a side of a panel between the first flange and the second flange. The present invention also relates to a mounting structure assembly and method of assembling the same.