Photovoltaic Module Connecting Member for Precise Edge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of photovoltaic cell modules on roofs is hindered by displacement issues between adjacent modules, leading to increased installation costs and suboptimal appearance due to the need for spacers and frequent replacement of fixing members, which complicates the process and reduces attachment strength.
Innovation Solution
A connecting member with a plate-like upper and lower piece and a connecting piece that sandwiches the ends of adjacent photovoltaic cell modules and decorative covers, eliminating displacement by fitting perpendicular to the edges, and featuring a disengagement prevention portion to secure the connection against wind and rain, while also allowing for electrical connection and cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fixing member is formed short and fixed to one side of the photovoltaic cell module at multiple sites, then the installation time and effort are reduced, but displacement occurs between the ends of adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is divided into an upper piece and a lower piece that can be independently positioned and fixed to adjacent photovoltaic cell modules. This segmentation allows each piece to independently control the position of module ends, preventing displacement while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary component between adjacent photovoltaic cell modules, physically connecting their ends to prevent displacement. This mediator structure eliminates the need for complex pre-positioning while ensuring precise alignment through its bridging function.
2Manufacturing precision
If spacers are added below the fixing member to eliminate displacement, then alignment precision is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper piece and lower piece of the connecting member are merged into a single integrated component that performs both positioning and connection functions. This combination eliminates the need for separate spacers while maintaining alignment precision, reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects adjacent modules, maintains precise alignment, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate components like spacers, simplifying the overall installation system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fixing member is repeatedly attached and detached for adjustment, then alignment precision can be improved, but attachment strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower pieces of the connecting member are designed to be pre-positioned at the correct locations on adjacent modules. This preliminary positioning ensures alignment precision is achieved during the first attachment, eliminating the need for repeated detachment and reattachment that would weaken the connection.
4Manufacturing precision
If mounts are attached in advance at predetermined intervals, then alignment precision is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pre-attaching mounts to the roof and then fixing modules to them, the connecting member is designed to connect module ends directly without requiring pre-installed mounting structures. This inverted approach maintains position precision through the connecting member's design while significantly improving installation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting member 10 for connecting ends of adjacently arranged photovoltaic cell modules 4 fixed in a state in which the ends of the photovoltaic cell modules 4 each obtained by supporting an outer periphery of a photovoltaic cell panel 2 by frame bodies 3a and 3b are floating, including a plate-like upper piece 11, a plate-like lower piece 12 opposed to the upper piece 11 and a connecting piece 13 for connecting end sides on the same side of the lower piece 12 and the upper piece 11, where the connecting member 10 is capable of being fitted to the ends of the frame bodies 3a facing the same direction in the adjacent photovoltaic cell modules 4 so as to sandwich the same from a direction perpendicular thereto by the upper piece 11 and the lower piece 12.