Interlocking Module Clip Pieces for Stable Solar Module Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel module packaging methods using vertically packed modules face challenges such as package slanting/tilting during long-distance shipping due to loose straps, posing safety risks and complicating partial package repacking, especially in residential shipments, where micro-cracks concerns limit the quantity of modules that can be safely packed.
Innovation Solution
The use of interlockable and slidable module clip pieces with protrusions and grooves that allow modules to be securely fastened and interlocked, preventing tilt and enabling stable vertical orientation without excessive strapping, facilitating safe and uncomplicated repacking of partial quantities and increasing the number of modules that can be horizontally packed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertically packed modules are secured using straps, then module stability is improved, but the straps are susceptible to loosening which causes package slanting/tilting and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilization function from the straps and relocates it to dedicated corner pieces. The corner pieces are attached to modules before packaging and interlock with each other to provide structural stability, while straps are removed or minimized to only secure the corner pieces, not the entire package
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces act as intermediary elements between the modules and the packaging system. These corner pieces with protrusions and grooves interlock to form a stable framework that prevents tilting, while the straps only need to secure the corner pieces themselves rather than directly restraining module movement
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertically packed modules are heavily strapped to prevent tilting, then package stability is improved, but partial package repacking becomes difficult and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into independent functional components: corner pieces that provide structural stability through interlocking, and minimal straps that only secure the corner pieces. This segmentation allows corner pieces to maintain package stability while enabling easy removal of individual modules for partial repacking without compromising overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Corner pieces are attached to modules in advance during module assembly, creating a pre-configured stable framework. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive strapping during packaging, as the corner pieces already provide the necessary structural integrity for both transport and subsequent repacking operations
3Productivity
If horizontally packed modules are used to increase packing quantity, then productivity is improved, but micro-cracks concerns arise due to vibration/shock during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables horizontal packing (changing from vertical to horizontal orientation) by providing corner pieces with grooves that extend in directions orthogonal to the module length. This dimensional change in the corner piece design allows modules to be stacked horizontally with the same interlocking mechanism that prevents vertical tilting, thereby increasing packing capacity while maintaining protection against vibration and shock
Data Source
AI summary
A module clip piece for a module is disclosed. The module clip piece includes at least one protrusion configured to engage at least one groove of a first neighboring module clip piece. The at least one protrusion protrudes in a first direction. At least one groove is coupled to the at least one protrusion and is configured to engage at least one protrusion of a second neighboring module clip piece. The at least one groove extends in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.