Module holder for solar modules and assembly with multiple module holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing module carriers for solar modules require significant material and time for installation on flat roofs, as they lack efficient two-dimensional coupling mechanisms and often require additional assembly materials and time for alignment.

Innovation Solution

A module carrier design featuring rows of ridges that form a form-fit connection with identical carriers, allowing for easy assembly into a grid without screws or glue, using plastic or aluminum materials and incorporating mounting profiles for inclination adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If module carriers are designed with traditional coupling mechanisms (lateral coupling elevations only), then one-dimensional coupling is achieved, but two-dimensional coupling requires additional assembly material and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds longitudinal coupling elevations (front and back) to the traditional lateral coupling elevations, transforming the coupling system from one-dimensional (lateral only) to two-dimensional (lateral and longitudinal). This enables module carriers to be coupled in both directions without requiring additional assembly materials or time, as the coupling elevations are integrated into the basic structure of each carrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If module carriers use U-shaped half-shells for coupling, then coupling is possible, but carriers must be turned to specific orientations and only align in one dimension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling orientationVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric coupling elevations where lateral coupling elevations and longitudinal coupling elevations have different geometries and functions. The lateral coupling elevations enable side-by-side coupling while longitudinal coupling elevations enable front-to-back coupling. This asymmetric design allows module carriers to be coupled in any orientation without requiring specific turning positions, as each carrier type has complementary coupling elevations that fit together regardless of rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Loss of substance

If minimal assembly material is used for module carrier installation, then material costs are reduced, but installation time increases due to manual alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly materialVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs self-aligning coupling elevations that automatically guide module carriers into correct positions during assembly. The form-fit connections between lateral and longitudinal coupling elevations create inherent alignment features, allowing workers to simply place carriers together without manual measurement or adjustment. This self-service mechanism maintains minimal material usage while dramatically increasing installation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2674987B1Module holder for solar modules and assembly with multiple module holders
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 PV INTEG AG
  • EP2674987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2674987B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2674987B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The support has two sets of flat and hollow cone parts (14, 15) arranged in series on a base structure (12) and arranged at equal distance to each other. The cone parts are arranged and formed such that a form closure (10) is formed at the cone parts of the support. An imaginary connection line (V) is formed between the cone parts at an angle (alpha) of 5 degree, and a mounting profile is fastened to the cone parts. Stiffening ribs (12.1) are provided in the base structure and extend to longitudinal axis transverse to one of the cone parts. The support is made of plastic material. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement with a module support.