One-Piece Solar Module Clamping Structure for Uniform Force Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for solar modules fail to reliably fasten and dissipate forces uniformly across various support structures, leading to increased production costs and complex assembly processes, particularly for frameless glass-glass solar modules.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece clamping device with rigid side wall sections and a U-shaped cross-section, designed to ensure uniform force dissipation and maintain a defined distance from the support structure, featuring a modular design that can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing clamping devices are used for frameless glass-glass solar modules, then the solar modules can be fastened to support structures, but the force dissipation is not uniform and the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce dissipation uniformityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into distinct functional segments: a U-shaped profile providing the receiving area, side wall sections for clamping, and attachment portions for fastening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall assembly process through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the receiving area formation and clamping functions into a single integrated U-shaped profile structure. The side wall sections and attachment portions are combined with the U-shaped profile to create a unified clamping device that ensures uniform force dissipation while reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing clamping devices with elastic bodies are used, then the receiving area can be formed, but the production costs increase and the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the elastic body component from the clamping device design. Instead of using separate elastic elements, the U-shaped profile itself forms the receiving area through its geometric structure, thereby reducing part count, simplifying manufacturing, and lowering production costs while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the U-shaped profile to provide the necessary receiving area formation capability. By optimizing the geometry and dimensions of the profile, the device achieves both cost-effectiveness through simplified manufacturing and functional performance without requiring additional elastic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If rigid clamping devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the force dissipation is not uniform across different support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidforce dissipation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped profile with integrated side wall sections and attachment portions serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the receiving area, provides clamping action, and ensures uniform force dissipation across various support structure types. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple rigid structure that adapts to different mounting scenarios.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3256795B1Clamping device and method for mounting a solar module
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 SOLIBRO HI TECH
  • EP3256795B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3256795B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3256795B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping device for a solar module (7), wherein the clamping device (1) has or forms at least a first receiving portion (2a) for receiving an edge portion of the solar module (7), wherein the first receiving portion (2a) has at least a first side wall portion (3) and a further side wall portion (4) to form a receiving region (6a), wherein the first receiving portion (2a) is formed in one piece, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the first receiving portion (2a) is greater than the modulus of elasticity of rubber, and to a method for mounting a solar module.