Pivoting Metal Attachment Device for Flexible Panel Edge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic module attachment systems, particularly frameless dual-face modules, face issues with degradation under severe climatic conditions and mechanical stresses, leading to reliability concerns and potential damage due to stress concentration at edges, and also cause shadowing that affects performance.
Innovation Solution
A panel attachment system featuring metal lugs bonded to the panel's peripheral surface with cooperating metal clips that allow pivoting and limited translation, utilizing a claw effect for secure holding without material degradation, ensuring high mechanical strength and compatibility with dual-face panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elastomer parts are used in attachment elements to allow flexibility, then the module can withstand flexing forces, but the elastomer parts degrade over time under severe climatic conditions and mechanical stresses, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomer to metal (aluminum or stainless steel), transforming the attachment element from flexible to rigid while compensating through geometric design (pivoting capability) to handle flexing forces without degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pivoting mechanism that allows the rigid metal attachment element to dynamically adjust its position relative to the panel edge, enabling it to accommodate panel flexing under load while maintaining secure attachment, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility
2Strength
If rigid attachments are used to secure the module, then the module is firmly held, but stress concentrates at the edges during flexing, causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism allows the attachment element to rotate relative to the panel edge during flexing, dynamically redistributing stresses away from the edge concentration points while maintaining firm attachment through the pivot connection
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element is divided into distinct functional parts: a mounting portion attached to the carrier structure and a gripping portion that contacts the panel edge, connected by a pivot joint that allows independent movement of each segment to optimize stress distribution
3Ease of manufacture
If attachment elements are bonded directly to the glass, then the attachment is simple, but shadow is caused at the rear face of the module, which is detrimental to the performance of dual-face modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment element from the panel surface and repositions it to the carrier structure, eliminating the shadowing problem on the rear face while maintaining secure attachment through the pivot connection between the element and panel edge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carrier structure as an intermediary component that bears the attachment elements, separating the attachment function from the panel surface and thus eliminating shadowing while maintaining structural support
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
The system provides reliable and durable attachment that prevents edge damage and shadowing, enhancing the module's resistance to high weight loads by distributing stress and maintaining performance without material degradation over time.
Implementation Method 1
a metal lug (3) bonded to the peripheral surface (4) of the panel (1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a panel capable of bending under the effect of a load and having a peripheral surface provided with a plurality of pivoting attachment devices; each attachment device comprises: a metal gripping member adhered to the peripheral surface of the panel; and a metal clip cooperating by interlocking with the gripping member and configured to allow the gripping member to pivot when the panel bends.