Foldable Solar Panel Stand Assembly to Reduce Material and Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panel stand arrangements are costly, material-intensive, and complex to assemble, with high wind loads and transportation challenges due to large, one-piece designs and the need for separate fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A stand arrangement using two separate, foldable stands with a minimal wind surface area, assembled without tools, and connected to a module frame using a rail with U-profiles and snap-in cups, providing stability and anti-twist protection, and optionally incorporating stiffening elements for increased rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a one-piece stand design is used, then structural stability is achieved, but material usage increases and wind load surface area expands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is divided into multiple separate components (first stand, second stand, rail) that can be assembled together. This segmentation reduces material usage while maintaining structural stability through the interconnected framework, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a one-piece stand design is used, then structural stability is achieved, but wind load surface area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwind load surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the stand into separate components with gaps between them, the continuous surface area exposed to wind is broken into smaller sections. This reduces the overall wind load while maintaining stability through the framework structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate fastening means are used, then panel securing is achieved, but production and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel securingVSAvoidproduction and assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is merged into the stand structure itself through integrated fastening elements (such as clips or attachment points built into the stand components). This eliminates the need for separate fastening means, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable panel securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If tubular profile mounting rails are used, then structural support is provided, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcost and weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail cross-section is changed from a tubular profile to a different geometric configuration (such as an open profile or flat section). This parameter change reduces material consumption and cost while maintaining adequate structural support through optimized geometry and distribution of structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2913606B1Base assembly for a solar panel
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 EISENWERK WITTIGSTHAL
  • EP2913606B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2913606B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2913606B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A stand arrangement for a solar panel, comprising a first stand (5) and a second stand (6), which can be formed without tools by folding from a two-dimensional blank (6') of the outer contour, which has bend-resistant fold lines (34), and can be mounted without tools or fasteners to a rail (4) and a module frame (3) of the solar panel. Method for assembling and manufacturing the stand arrangement for a solar panel.