Movable Latch for Secure Photovoltaic Panel Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for fixing photovoltaic panels to roller shutter boxes in building concealment installations face challenges such as high installation costs, incomplete or inappropriate fixing, and difficulties in maintenance due to oxidation and fouling, with current methods like screwing being time-consuming and gluing making dismantling difficult or impossible.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a plate with attachment means and a movable latch that slides between inactive and active positions, allowing for quick and secure fixing of the photovoltaic panel, with features like indexing, locking, and access prevention to ensure secure attachment without specialized tools, while allowing maintenance access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photovoltaic panel is fixed to roller shutter box using screws, then fixing is achieved, but installation time increases and maintenance becomes difficult due to oxidation and fouling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into separate functional components: a plate for attachment to the main element, a movable latch for securing the accessory element, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for quick installation without screws and easy maintenance by isolating each component's function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid installation and removal without the need for threaded fasteners that require tools and time for installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If photovoltaic panel is fixed to roller shutter box using screws, then fixing is achieved, but fixing quality is unreliable due to incomplete or inappropriate screwing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing securityVSAvoidfixing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a latch-based mechanical retention system. The latch engages with a complementary element to provide secure fixing without the precision requirements and quality issues associated with screwing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism changes from a threaded fastening system (screws) to a snap-fit or latch-based system. This parameter change in the fixing method eliminates the variability and imprecision inherent in manual screwing operations while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If photovoltaic panel is fixed to roller shutter box by gluing, then fixing effectiveness is improved, but dismantling becomes difficult or impossible without damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing effectivenessVSAvoiddismantling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical latch system. The movable latch can be deliberately engaged or disengaged, allowing for easy dismantling when needed while providing effective fixing during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and maintainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism allows for the controlled separation and reattachment of the accessory element. When maintenance is needed, the latch can be released to remove the panel without damage, and then re-engaged to restore the fixing, enabling both effective securing and easy repairability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of repair

If movable latch is made accessible for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but security against unauthorized removal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidtheft prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the latch mechanism have different accessibility characteristics. The latch can be designed with features that allow authorized maintenance access through specific pathways or mechanisms while presenting barriers to unauthorized access, such as hidden actuation points or required authentication steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary mechanism or authentication system can be introduced between the latch and the user. This intermediary allows authorized maintenance personnel to access and operate the latch for repairs while preventing unauthorized individuals from removing the accessory element, thus resolving the security-accessibility contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2381060B1System zum Befestigen eines Zubehörelements auf einem Hauptelement

Publication Date: 2015.02.18 BUBENDORFF SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8

AI summary

The device (6) has a mobile latch (9) extending along a plane parallel to another plane in which a plate (7) is extended. The latch is provided with a hooking unit (90) that cooperates with a complementary hooking unit of an accessory element for fixing the accessory element on a main element. A mounting unit mounts the latch in a sliding manner with respect to the plate between an inactive position and an active position and between the hooking unit and the complementary hooking unit of the accessory element. An independent claim is also included for a fixing system comprising a main element.