Bracket for connection of a junction box to photovoltaic panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching junction boxes to photovoltaic panels are inefficient, as they do not provide a secure and flexible means to connect multiple panels electrically while allowing for easy installation and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system with a central fastener and rotatable spacers that attaches to both the junction box and the non-photovoltaic side of photovoltaic panels, allowing for secure electrical connections between adjacent panels and easy mounting on various panel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods for attaching junction boxes to photovoltaic panels are used, then installation can be completed, but the connection is not secure and lacks flexibility for connecting multiple panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidflexibility for connecting multiple panels
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket system is divided into separate functional components: a bracket body for mounting to the photovoltaic panel, a junction box attachment mechanism, and a central fastener system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while providing overall system flexibility and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central fastener includes rotatable spacers that can be adjusted to different positions and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connection system to adapt to various panel configurations and provide secure connections while maintaining flexibility for different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure connection system is implemented, then connection reliability improves, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket system combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: mounting to the photovoltaic panel, attaching the junction box, and providing electrical connections. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The central fastener system is designed to be self-adjusting with rotatable spacers that can be easily positioned during installation. The design allows installers to quickly secure the connection without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional tools, reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotatable spacers are added to the central fastener, then adaptability for different panel configurations improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for panel configurationsVSAvoidbracket system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable spacers are positioned at specific locations on the central fastener where adjustment is most needed for panel configuration adaptation. This localized placement provides the necessary adaptability without adding complexity to the entire bracket system, maintaining simplicity in areas where fixed positioning is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10622939B2Bracket for connection of a junction box to photovoltaic panels
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD
  • US10622939B2 patent drawing
  • US10622939B2 patent drawing
  • US10622939B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.