Hybrid Solar Panel Mounting Assembly with Tilted Spring Support Ledge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The solar industry faces complexity and inefficiency in mounting photovoltaic modules, particularly in integrating rail-based and rail-less systems for stable and flexible installation on surfaces like roofs, which requires a more streamlined and adaptable solution.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solar panel mounting assembly that combines rail-based and rail-less system components, utilizing trim-rails, splices, connectors, and adjustable footers to securely and aesthetically mount solar panels, allowing for stable alignment and flexibility around obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rail-based system is used for mounting photovoltaic modules, then the stability and alignment of the mounting structure is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of adapting to obstructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate rail components and footer components that can be independently positioned and assembled. The rails provide stable alignment while the individual footers can be independently adjusted to navigate around obstructions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable footers with movable components that can be dynamically repositioned along the rails. This allows the structure to adapt to varying roof conditions and obstructions while maintaining stable panel alignment through the rigid rail framework.
2Ease of operation
If a rail-less mounting system is used for photovoltaic modules, then the ease of installation and flexibility around obstructions is improved, but the stability and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system serves as an intermediary element between the roof structure and the photovoltaic modules. It provides a stable reference framework that ensures precise panel alignment, while the footers act as flexible intermediaries that can be easily adjusted to accommodate obstructions during installation.
3Strength
If traditional mounting systems are used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance and integration with the roof surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates low-profile rails and footers that minimize vertical height and visual prominence from the roof surface. By reducing the dimensional profile of mounting components, the system maintains structural strength while achieving better aesthetic integration with the roof appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim-rail for use in a solar panel mounting assembly is disclosed. The trim-rail includes a tilted spring support ledge on a side of the trim-rail. A photovoltaic module is elastically supportable on the tilted spring support ledge when the photovoltaic module is installed on the tilted spring support ledge.