Device for supporting solar modules, kit, manufacturing method and solar module assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module support systems for flat roofs and free-standing installations are costly and require complex assembly, often necessitating additional tools due to the need for precise alignment and adaptation to structural conditions and sun orientation.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a base rail with a receiving opening and a safety rail that moves along the base rail to secure a connecting element, allowing for tool-free assembly and adjustment of solar module angles, enabling simplified and flexible installation without the need for extensive tools or complex alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If feet are pre-assembled on the base rail using fold-out profiles, then assembly cost is reduced, but assembly complexity and time increase due to the need for precise alignment and additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The base rail is segmented into modular sections with standardized receiving openings at predetermined positions. Each foot assembly is a separate module that can be independently positioned and secured in these openings, allowing for simplified pre-assembly and reduced on-site complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving openings are pre-positioned and pre-formed in the base rail sections during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site measurement and marking, allowing feet to be directly assembled into predetermined locations without additional alignment tools
2Manufacturing precision
If feet are assembled on site with precise alignment, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
All alignment references and receiving opening positions are pre-established during base rail manufacturing. Feet assemblies are designed with complementary positioning features that mate with these pre-established references, ensuring precise alignment without on-site measurement or adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The foot assemblies incorporate self-aligning features such as tapered guides or cam mechanisms that automatically position the foot correctly as it is inserted into the receiving opening, eliminating the need for external alignment tools and operator skill
3Adaptability or versatility
If a quasi-punctiform bearing system is used with front and rear feet, then structural flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple mounting points
Solution Approach 1:
The base rail is designed as a universal mounting structure with identical receiving openings at multiple positions along its length. The same foot assembly design can be used at both front and rear positions, as well as in various configurations (single foot, paired feet, adjustable feet), reducing the number of unique components and simplifying assembly procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for supporting solar modules, comprising a base rail (1) with a first receiving opening (8a), a support (2) arranged on the base rail (1) for holding one end of a solar module (101) with a first connecting element (7a) arranged in the first receiving opening (8a), and a locking rail (12) which is arranged on the base rail (1) and at least partially encompasses the base rail (1), and is movable along the base rail (1) between a first position and a second position. The locking rail (12) at least partially closes the first receiving opening (8a) in the second position, such that movement of the first connecting element (7a) out of the first receiving opening (8a) is prevented.The locking rail (12) releases the first receiving opening (8a) in the first position, such that movement of the first connecting element (7a) out of the first receiving opening (8a) is permitted. Furthermore, a kit, a method for manufacturing a device, and a solar module arrangement are disclosed (Fig. 1).