Module holder for solar modules and assembly with multiple module holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar module carriers are inflexible, require significant space for storage and transport, have fixed angles of inclination, and cannot be easily reduced in size, making them inefficient and impractical for varying installation conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular carrier system with a base plate featuring indentations and supports with knobs, allowing for adjustable angles and easy stacking, and the ability to overlap base plates for form-fit connections, enabling flexible arrangement and reduced base area as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed one-piece support structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability and flexibility are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple independent components: a base plate with recesses and separate supports with studs. These segments can be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled together. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling flexibility in assembly configurations and adaptability to different installation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a fixed one-piece design to a dynamic modular system where supports can be positioned at different locations on the base plate and arranged at various angles. The plug-in connection system allows the structure to be configured dynamically based on specific installation requirements, improving adaptability while keeping individual components simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a complete support structure is used, then stability is ensured, but storage and transport space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the support structure into a base plate and separate supports that can be detached, the system can be disassembled into compact components for storage and transport. The supports with studs can be stored separately from the base plate, significantly reducing the volume required for storage and transport while maintaining structural stability during installation through the plug-in connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supports can be positioned to nest within or alongside the base plate structure when not in use, optimizing storage space. The modular design allows components to be compacted together in a space-efficient manner during storage and transport, while fully assembling into a stable configuration during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If the base area is reduced, then space utilization improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase areaVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with multiple recesses positioned at different locations, allowing supports to be selected and assembled only where needed. This segmentation enables the use of a smaller base area by activating only the necessary support positions, while the standardized recess-stud interface keeps assembly straightforward despite the reduced footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate with its grid of recesses serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized mounting surface for various support configurations, enables flexible positioning options, and allows for reduced base area usage by selecting only the necessary recess locations. The universal recess design works with all supports, simplifying assembly regardless of the specific configuration chosen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If supports are fixed in position, then assembly is simple, but adaptability to different angles and positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidposition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into a base plate with multiple recesses and separate supports with studs. This segmentation allows supports to be easily attached at different positions and angles by simply plugging them into the appropriate recesses, maintaining assembly ease while providing position flexibility. The standardized interface keeps the assembly process simple despite the increased adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed support positions to a dynamic configuration where supports can be positioned at various locations on the base plate and arranged at different angles. The plug-in connection system enables this dynamic positioning while keeping the assembly process straightforward, as supports can be easily attached, detached, and repositioned without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4033174A1Module holder for solar modules and assembly with multiple module holders
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 PV INTEG AG
  • EP4033174A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4033174A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4033174A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The module carrier for solar modules according to the invention comprises a base plate (1) with recesses (1.1) and several supports (10-1, ... 10-n; 20-1, ... 20-n), each of the supports (10-1, ... 10-n; 20-1, ... 20-n) having a plug-in area (30) with several studs (31) on its underside. The plug-in area (30) is designed such that the studs (31) can be plugged into the recesses (1.1) of the base plate (1).