Microinverter Bracket Locking Structure for Stable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microinverters face challenges with assembly stability due to their miniaturized size, leading to potential disassembly or damage during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A microinverter design featuring a case with first and second lockers, a support bracket, and connectors, where the lockers form a firm assembly structure through buckles, hooks, and mount protrusions to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the microinverter is miniaturized to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but assembly stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidassembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locker mechanism incorporates elastic deformation capability where the locker body can flexibly deform during assembly and operation. This dynamic property allows the miniaturized structure to maintain stability by adapting to assembly variations and external impacts, resolving the contradiction between small size and assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the locker structure by introducing elastic deformation characteristics. The locker body's ability to deform elastically alters the stiffness and flexibility parameters, enabling the miniaturized microinverter to maintain assembly stability despite its reduced size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced, then portability is improved, but resistance to external impact deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidresistance to external impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic deformation capability of the locker body provides dynamic shock absorption during transportation. When external impacts occur, the locker can flexibly deform to absorb impact energy, protecting the internal components of the miniaturized device while maintaining its compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locker mechanism is designed with inherent elastic properties that provide beforehand cushioning against external impacts. The elastic deformation capability is built into the structure in advance, creating a cushioning effect that protects the miniaturized device during transportation before actual impacts occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple assembly structures are used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but assembly stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locker mechanism is designed as a self-service assembly structure where the elastic deformation capability enables automatic adjustment and self-locking during assembly. The locker body naturally deforms to fit with the mounting bracket without requiring complex external fastening mechanisms, achieving both ease of manufacture and assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic locker body acts as an intermediary element between the housing and mounting bracket. This intermediary component with deformation capability facilitates simple assembly while ensuring stable connection, bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and assembly stability in the miniaturized device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4645684A1microinverter
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4645684A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645684A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4645684A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a microinverter including a case in which a circuit board is disposed therein, a first connector disposed at one side of the case and connected to the circuit board, a second connector disposed at another side of the case and connected to the circuit board, and a support bracket configured to support the case, wherein one of the case and the support bracket includes a first locker disposed at an edge thereof, and the other one of the case and the support bracket includes a second locker assembled with the first locker.