Panel Clamp with Segmented Members for Rapid Solar Array Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panel mounting systems are difficult to assemble and disassemble, requiring the removal of entire rows of panels to access a single panel for repair, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A panel clamp system comprising first and second members with overhanging edges and aligned holes, secured by mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and an adjustable mount with a surface anchoring plate and clamp anchoring plate for flexible panel positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mounting systems are used to secure solar panels, then the panels are firmly fixed to the surface, but the assembly and disassembly processes are difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidtime required for assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a clamp with first and second members that can be independently positioned and secured to the panel, and a mount that attaches to the clamp. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled and disassembled independently, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional integrated mounting systems where entire rows must be removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp members are designed with movable elements including overhangs that can be positioned and secured, and mechanical fasteners that allow for dynamic adjustment and secure attachment. The first member has an overhang that fits over the panel top surface, and the second member has an overhang that fits over the panel bottom surface, creating a dynamic yet secure connection that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If traditional mounting systems are used, then panels are securely mounted, but individual panels are difficult to access for repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of individual panelsVSAvoiddifficulty of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism is designed to be removable from the mount, allowing individual panels to be accessed by simply removing the clamp components rather than dismantling the entire mounting structure. The first and second members can be separated from the panel and mount, providing easy access to individual panels for repair while maintaining secure mounting when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If the clamp members are secured with multiple mechanical fasteners, then the panel is firmly held, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring strength of panel clampVSAvoidcomplexity of clamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fasteners serve multiple functions: they secure the first and second members to the panel, and also secure the clamp to the mount. The aligned holes in the first and second members allow a single fastener to perform both clamping and mounting functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system combines the clamping function and the mounting function into an integrated assembly. The clamp with its first and second members secures the panel, and the same clamp assembly attaches to the mount using the aligned holes and mechanical fasteners, merging multiple functions into a single coordinated mechanism that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11841038B2Panel clamping and mounting mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 SOLAR CLAM P

AI summary

The present invention relates to a panel clamp securable to a variety of mounting mechanisms. The clamp includes first and second members, each having an edge extending beyond at least a portion of its side surface to form an overhang, and each includes a plurality of holes passing therethrough. When the overhang of the first member is fitted over a top surface of a panel and the overhang of the second member is fitted over a bottom surface of the panel, such that the plurality of holes in the first member is substantially aligned with the plurality of holes in the second member, mechanical fasteners can be inserted through the plurality of holes to secure the first and second members to the panel. An additional mechanical fastener is inserted through the clamp to secure the clamp to a mounting mechanism.