Junction Box Bracket With Rotatable Spacers for PV Panel Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching junction boxes to photovoltaic panels are inefficient and lack a standardized solution for secure and flexible mounting, particularly in connecting multiple panels electrically within a junction box.
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 mounting and electrical connection of two or four adjacent panels, with adjustable spacers for versatile positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for attaching junction boxes to photovoltaic panels are used, then installation can be completed, but the attachment is inefficient and lacks standardized secure mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into multiple functional components: a main bracket body, a central fastener mechanism, and rotatable spacers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency and reliability in attaching junction boxes to photovoltaic panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable spacers provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the bracket system to adapt to different panel positions and orientations. This dynamic feature enables secure mounting while facilitating efficient installation through easy positioning adjustments during the attachment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized bracket system with central fastener and rotatable spacers is implemented, then secure and flexible mounting is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is designed as a universal mounting solution that can attach junction boxes to various photovoltaic panel configurations. The central fastener and rotatable spacers work together to provide flexible positioning and secure attachment across different installation scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized bracket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable spacers are integrated within the bracket structure, nesting the adjustment mechanism inside the main body. This nesting approach provides flexible mounting capability while minimizing the overall footprint and reducing the apparent complexity of the external structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable spacers are added for versatile positioning, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable spacers provide versatile positioning capability through their rotational movement, allowing adjustment to multiple angles and orientations. The dynamic design enables a single component to replace multiple fixed-position components, potentially simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added functional complexity.
Data Source
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.