Double-Walled Profile Assembly for Slidable Solar Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting techniques face challenges such as adaptability to different panel thicknesses, high manufacturing and installation costs, complex and time-consuming processes, reduced bending strength, increased risk of damage, and decreased energy conversion efficiency due to torsional forces and corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed assembly features two parallel structural profiles with continuous top covers and spaced panel support sections formed from a single metal plate, allowing for sequential slidable mounting of solar panels along the length direction, reducing contact resistance, and preventing moisture and dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent rails are secured with screws and bolts to adapt to different solar panel thicknesses, then adaptability to different panel thicknesses is improved, but bending strength and stiffness against vertical loads deteriorate due to reduced modulus of resistance and moment of inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The structural profile incorporates moveable components that allow adjustment of the distance between the top cover and panel support, enabling adaptation to different solar panel thicknesses while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The profile design allows changing the geometric parameters (distance between top cover and panel support) to match different panel thicknesses, while the overall structural configuration maintains sufficient bending strength through optimized cross-sectional geometry
2Adaptability or versatility
If screws and bolts are used to secure the rails, then adaptability to different panel thicknesses is improved, but mounting time increases drastically due to need for individual fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The profile integrates the top cover, panel support, and securing mechanisms into a unified structural element that can accommodate different panel thicknesses without requiring separate fastening operations for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable panel support allows quick adjustment to different panel thicknesses through a single mechanism rather than multiple fastening operations, significantly reducing mounting time
3Reliability
If the top cover and panel support are continuous along the entire length, then protection against moisture and dirt accumulation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and weight increases making mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The profile provides continuous protection only where needed (at the locations of solar panels) rather than continuous coverage along the entire length, reducing material usage and weight while maintaining reliability where it matters most
Solution Approach 2:
The top cover or protection elements are segmented into discrete sections positioned at panel locations rather than forming a continuous structure, reducing overall weight and material cost while maintaining protective function
4Reliability
If the top cover and panel support are continuous along the entire length, then protection against moisture and dirt accumulation is improved, but friction during sliding motion increases making mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel support is divided into spaced sections rather than a continuous structure, creating gaps that reduce contact area and friction during sliding while maintaining protection at panel locations
Solution Approach 2:
Friction reduction is achieved locally at the sliding interface through spaced support sections, while protection against moisture and dirt is maintained locally at panel positions
5Reliability
If solar panels are positioned high above ground on inclined structures, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but mounting complexity increases and risk of damage increases due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is designed to be pre-assembled on the ground at the correct inclination and configuration before the solar panels are mounted, reducing the need for complex operations at height and minimizing risk of panel damage
Solution Approach 2:
The structural profile serves as an intermediary platform that can be assembled and positioned on the ground first, then used to support and elevate solar panels to optimal positions without requiring direct manipulation at height
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An assembly comprising at least two structural profiles (1) arranged parallel to each other with respect to their length direction (3) and at least one solar panel (2, 6), wherein: each of said structural profiles (1) being doubled walled and comprising a continuous top cover and a plurality of spaced panel support sections (12, 22), and wherein each of said plurality of structural profiles (1) is positioned such that, in between the respective top covers (16, 26) and their corresponding panel supports (13, 23) of adjacent structural profiles (1), along the length direction (3), said at least one solar panel (2, 6) can be slidably mounted at both its opposing edges (300, 301).