Panel Member Securing Structure with Dynamic Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel securing structures for solar cell modules on roofs require height adjustment before installation, which reduces construction efficiency, and previous solutions face instability due to short engagement lengths between external threads and screwed grooves, leading to unstable panel holding.
Innovation Solution
A panel securing structure with a stand, lower holder, and upper holder that includes a shaft with an external thread, where the shaft is restricted in axial movement and has a tool engagement portion, allowing for height adjustment of the panel member while it is already placed, using a bolt to secure the panel between the holders, and a second screwed groove that can be elongated for increased engagement length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustment is performed before panel member installation using a spacer, then the panel member height can be adjusted, but construction efficiency is reduced because the panel member must be detached and reinstalled
Solution Approach 1:
The lower holder is designed to be movable along the stand in the up-down direction, allowing dynamic height adjustment. The panel member can be adjusted to different heights by moving the lower holder while the panel remains installed, eliminating the need for detachment and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower holder acts as an intermediary component between the stand and the panel member. It provides the height adjustment function while the panel member stays in place, mediating between the fixed stand and the panel to enable adjustment without removal.
2Device complexity
If the engagement length between external thread and screwed groove is short, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding stability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is constrained in the axial direction by the stand while allowing rotational movement. This dimensional constraint separates the rotation function from the axial movement function, enabling the external thread to engage with the screwed groove over a longer distance without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure is segmented into two functional parts: the stand that constrains axial movement and the shaft that rotates. This segmentation allows the external thread and screwed groove to engage over an extended length while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the shaft is allowed to move in axial direction, then the height adjustment mechanism is simplified, but the upper holder becomes inclined during fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-constraint system dynamically manages the shaft's degrees of freedom: it prevents axial movement to maintain upper holder orientation stability while permitting rotational movement for height adjustment. This dynamic constraint resolves the contradiction between simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand preliminarily constrains the shaft in the axial direction before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary constraint prevents inclination during the fastening process, ensuring proper orientation is maintained throughout the operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables stable height adjustment and secure mounting of panel members on the roof face without detaching them, using a single type of securing tool for panels of varying heights, and prevents upper holder inclination during fastening, ensuring firm holding and efficient installation.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the external thread, which is exposed from the stand, and the second screwed groove are screwed with each other
Implementation Method 2
a bolt inserted through the bolt hole portion is fastened to the first screwed groove
Data Source
AI summary
At least one panel member is secured to a base member using a securing tool including a stand that holds a shaft having an external thread and restricts the axial movement of the shaft, a lower holder that has a center portion in which a cylindrical portion through which the stand is inserted is provided, and a first and a second placement surfaces which extend from the center portion, and an upper holder that has a flat plate portion through which a bolt hole portion and a tool hole portion are provided, a first and a second panel pressing portions which extend from the flat plate portion, wherein in the securing tool, a bolt inserted through the bolt hole portion is screwed with a first screwed groove formed in the center portion, and the external thread is screwed with a second screwed groove formed on the cylindrical portion.