Frameless PV Panel Clamp With Gasket Grip for Wind Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic solar panel mounting systems face challenges in securely attaching frameless solar panels, particularly in windy conditions, while also managing varying environmental loads and maintaining efficient energy conversion, as they often increase system weight, cost, and reduce cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic panel mounting clamp system using cast aluminum or molded polymer resin components with a flexible gasket or rubber over-molding to securely grip the panel edges, allowing for easy installation and resistance to outdoor exposure, featuring a modular design with adjustable links and feet to accommodate different roof types and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used to secure frameless solar panels, then the panels can be attached to the support structure, but the systems increase overall weight, cost, and reduce cooling efficiency while failing to provide sufficient resistance to wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: clamp assemblies that attach to the panel edges, support structures that provide mechanical strength, and spacing elements that enable airflow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system weight while maintaining wind resistance through proper force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses strategic placement of mounting points and structural support elements to counteract wind-induced lift and drag forces. The support structure is configured to provide opposing forces that balance the aerodynamic loads on the panels, achieving wind resistance without requiring excessive weight.
2Reliability
If heavier ballast is used to resist wind forces, then wind resistance improves, but the load limits of the buildings are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with pre-calculated attachment points and structural configurations that are optimized before installation. The clamp assemblies and support structures are positioned to maximize wind resistance while minimizing transmitted loads to the building, eliminating the need for trial-and-error weight adjustments that could exceed load limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of mounting parameters such as attachment point locations, support structure spacing, and clamp configuration. These parameter changes enable optimization of the force distribution between the mounting system and building structure, achieving adequate wind resistance within the building's load capacity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If enclosed tilted solar panel systems are used, then rigidity and protection improve, but cost, weight, and wind-induced drag forces increase while cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully enclosed rigid structures, the system uses panel edge clamps and mounting brackets that provide structural support while leaving the panel surfaces exposed. This flexible mounting approach maintains rigidity where needed (at attachment points) while preserving natural airflow across the panel surfaces for passive cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from two-dimensional panel surface mounting to three-dimensional edge and corner attachment. By clamping onto the panel edges and using vertical support structures, the system achieves rigidity through spatial distribution rather than enclosing the panel surfaces, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frameless solar panels are used, then manufacturing flexibility and installation adaptability improve, but secure attachment in windy conditions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can secure frameless panels to various support structures. The clamps incorporate multiple engagement points and adjustable configurations that provide secure attachment while adapting to different panel sizes, support types, and installation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system introduces intermediary elements such as clamp assemblies, mounting brackets, and spacing components that mediate between the frameless panels and the support structure. These intermediaries provide the necessary mechanical connection and force distribution to ensure secure attachment without requiring modifications to the panels themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.