Helical Solar Panel Mounting Assembly for Continuous Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel mounting structures are complex and lack efficiency in adjusting the height of photovoltaic modules, making them less effective for various installation scenarios, such as roofs with different angles and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable solar panel mounting assembly that includes a movable helical drive mechanism, allowing for vertical adjustment of the mounting brackets with respect to a stanchion and base, enabling continuous height adjustment and structural support for solar panels, even after installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting structure is used, then the installation process is simple, but the adaptability to different roof angles and orientations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a height-adjustable mechanism that allows the mounting brackets to be positioned at multiple vertical heights along the stanchion. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same mounting structure to adapt to different roof angles and orientations while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed with universal components including a stanchion with multiple mounting positions and adjustable brackets that can accommodate various panel orientations. This multi-functional design allows a single mounting structure to serve multiple installation scenarios (different roof pitches, azimuths, and panel configurations) without requiring multiple specialized structures, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the mounting structure is made rigid and stable, then structural support is strong, but the ease of adjustment after installation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure employs a hybrid design where the overall framework (stanchion and base) remains rigid and stable for structural support, while the mounting brackets incorporate adjustable elements that allow post-installation height modification. This dynamic component enables easy adjustment through simple mechanical operations while the stable framework maintains structural integrity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into distinct segments: a stable fixed base and stanchion structure, and adjustable mounting bracket components. This segmentation allows the lower structural portions to remain rigid and stable while the upper mounting portions can be easily adjusted in height and orientation, resolving the contradiction between overall stability and local adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added, then the height adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure integrates multiple adjustment functions into a unified system where the stanchion serves as both a support element and an adjustment guide, and the mounting brackets combine height adjustment, orientation adjustment, and panel attachment functions in a single integrated component. This merging of functions provides continuous height adjustment capability while avoiding the complexity of separate adjustment mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel in a solar panel mounting assembly is disclosed. The solar panel mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a helical drive, where the mounting bracket is vertically adjustable by the helical drive. The helical drive engages with a stanchion that is variably positioned along a base member that is fixed to a roof.