Structure and support device for photovoltaic arrays

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays with optimal orientation and wind deflection requires numerous hardware components, leading to high costs and time consumption.

Innovation Solution

A structure and support device that integrates attachment components and surface areas for securing multiple PV modules and wind deflectors, constructed from durable materials like aluminum extrusion or steel, with features such as angled frames, stabilizers, and module interfaces to simplify and expedite the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate hardware components are used to secure PV modules and wind deflectors, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the installation cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (mounting brackets, wind deflector attachments, securing mechanisms) into a single integrated support structure. This unified component simultaneously secures PV modules at optimal angles and attaches wind deflectors, eliminating the need for multiple separate installation steps while maintaining all required structural functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mounting mechanism for PV modules and an attachment structure for wind deflectors. The single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate hardware, including angular positioning, structural support, and wind protection integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate hardware components are used to secure PV modules and wind deflectors, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (mounting brackets, wind deflector attachments, securing mechanisms) into a single integrated support structure. This unified component simultaneously secures PV modules at optimal angles and attaches wind deflectors, eliminating the need for multiple separate installation steps while maintaining all required structural functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mounting mechanism for PV modules and an attachment structure for wind deflectors. The single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate hardware, including angular positioning, structural support, and wind protection integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If numerous hardware components are used to install PV modules with optimal orientation, then the modules can be securely mounted, but the complexity of installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (mounting brackets, wind deflector attachments, securing mechanisms) into a single integrated support structure. This unified component simultaneously secures PV modules at optimal angles and attaches wind deflectors, eliminating the need for multiple separate installation steps while maintaining all required structural functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mounting mechanism for PV modules and an attachment structure for wind deflectors. The single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate hardware, including angular positioning, structural support, and wind protection integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10355636B2Structure and support device for photovoltaic arrays

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 K2 SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A structure and support device for photovoltaic arrays is provided. The device provides a structural connection between photovoltaic modules, wind deflectors and similar hardware. The invention provides an advantage of quick and easy installation of hardware components and associated parts, and meets the demand for a single device capable of combining solar energy associated hardware into photovoltaic arrays.