Photovoltaic Module Locking Device with Guide Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic module mounting structures require numerous fasteners and tools, leading to increased installation labor, cost, and potential damage to solar modules, reducing efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a blocking portion, plug portion, and guide portion for the photovoltaic module, which includes a clamping groove and guide ramp for easy installation without bolts or mounting clips, allowing for plug-in fit with the guide rail and reducing stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking devices use bolts or mounting clips, then the photovoltaic module can be fixed to the guide rail, but the installation labor and cost increase and installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate functional components: a blocking portion with clamping groove for securing the frame, a plug portion for connection to the guide rail, and a guide portion with guide ramp for facilitating installation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling tool-free installation while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device enables self-service installation through its design features: the guide ramp automatically guides the frame into the clamping groove during insertion, and the elastic piece provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or fasteners. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for bolts, nuts, or specialized mounting tools, significantly reducing installation labor and time.
2Ease of manufacture
If mounting clips are hammered onto module flange, then the locking device can be installed, but damage to the solar module occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device features an elastic piece that automatically engages with the guide rail through elastic deformation, providing self-locking without requiring hammering or external force application to the module frame. This eliminates the harmful impact of traditional hammering installation methods while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical hammering system with an elastic locking mechanism. Instead of using impact force to install mounting clips, the elastic piece utilizes elastic deformation and recovery to achieve automatic locking, substituting a potentially damaging mechanical process with a gentler elastic-based system that protects the solar module from damage.
3Reliability
If conventional locking devices are used, then the frame can be fixed to the guide rail, but the number of fasteners and mounting tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the blocking portion provides clamping, the plug portion enables connection to the guide rail, and the guide portion facilitates installation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bolts, nuts, washers, and mounting tools, reducing component count while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated elastic locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can be directly installed on the guide rail and simultaneously secure the photovoltaic module frame. The single device performs attachment, locking, and guiding functions that traditionally required multiple separate fasteners and tools, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a locking device, a photovoltaic module mounting structure and a photovoltaic system. The locking device includes a blocking portion, a plug portion, and a guide portion. The blocking portion protrudes from the guide rail and is provided with a clamping groove for clamping a frame of the solar module. The plug portion is connected to the blocking portion, and the plug portion is configured to be in plug-in fit with the guide rail. The guide portion is connected to the blocking portion and provided with a guide ramp, one end of the guide ramp is flush with a notch of the clamping groove, and the other end of the guide ramp extends obliquely downward along a length direction of the guide rail.