Profile pressing assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic module installation methods face challenges with reduced strength and stability due to thinner mounting surfaces and increased load, leading to deformation and module slippage, especially when installing heavier components on taller brackets.

Innovation Solution

A profile pressing component comprising a first and second mounting block with combining and fixing parts, featuring convex strips, hooks, and protrusions for secure clamping and snapping into profile grooves, allowing for flexible installation and disassembly without fastening components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bottom bolts or pressing pieces are used for installation, then the photovoltaic modules can be secured to brackets, but the mounting surface strength is insufficient due to reduced wall thickness and width, causing bolt holes to deform or fail under stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting surface strengthVSAvoidmounting surface thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from bottom mounting (vertical dimension) to side mounting (horizontal dimension) by extending the mounting surface sideways and using side clamping blocks with combining parts that engage with side grooves on the profile. This dimensional shift allows the mounting surface to extend laterally rather than relying on vertical thickness, solving the strength issue while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces side clamping blocks as intermediary components between the profile and the mounting surface. These blocks feature combining parts that clamp into side grooves and fixing parts with convex strips that engage with corresponding grooves on the mounting surface, creating a multi-stage connection that distributes stress and enhances overall mounting strength without requiring thicker materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If pressing pieces with increased size and load capacity are used, then heavier components on taller brackets can be supported, but the pressing pieces deform and cause photovoltaic modules to slip out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidpressing piece strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing function is divided into two separate components: side clamping blocks that provide the pressing force against the profile, and mounting blocks that secure to the mounting surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the clamping blocks for pressing force and the mounting blocks for stable attachment - preventing deformation that would occur in a single integrated pressing piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the mounting system. The side clamping blocks have a clamping structure optimized for gripping the profile, while the mounting blocks have a fixing structure with convex strips optimized for engaging the mounting surface. This localized optimization ensures each component has the appropriate strength and geometry for its specific role, preventing overall deformation under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If traditional bolt installation or pressing pieces are used, then photovoltaic modules can be fixed to brackets, but installation and disassembly are difficult especially for heavier components on taller brackets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw-bolt mechanical fastening system with a groove-clamping mechanism. The combining parts of the side clamping blocks clamp into side grooves on the profile, and the convex strips engage with grooves on the mounting surface. This substitution eliminates the need for threads and fasteners, allowing for tool-free installation and disassembly while maintaining secure fixation through the interlocking groove-clamp geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4395162B1Profile pressing assembly
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 TRINA SOLAR CO LTD
  • EP4395162B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4395162B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4395162B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present application provides a profile pressing component used to combine and fix profiles with side grooves. The profile pressing component includes a first mounting block and a second mounting block. The first mounting block includes a first combining part and a first fixing part. The first combining part extends upward from one end of the first fixing part in the width direction and is suitable for being clamped into the side groove of a profile, and the first fixing part is provided with at least one first convex strip on its bottom surface. The second mounting block includes a second combining part and a second fixing part. The second combining part extends upward from one end of the second fixing part in the width direction and is suitable for being clamped into the side groove of another profile, and the second fixing part has at least one hook at the other end in the width direction. When the first mounting block and the second mounting block are combined in the width direction, the at least one hook is adapted to hook the at least one first convex strip to limit the relative movement of the first fixing part and the second fixing part in the width direction.