PV Module Mounting Assembly for Non-Penetrating Seam Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing photovoltaic modules on standing seam metal panel building surfaces often puncture the surface, leading to costly repairs, leakage, and corrosion issues, and lack efficient clamping solutions for secure and flexible module placement.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module mounting assembly comprising a mounting device, a lower bracket, an upper bracket, and a threaded clamp fastener, which allows for secure attachment to the building surface without penetrating it, using orthogonal legs and interlocking teeth for stability and adjustable clamping to accommodate different module thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If puncturing methods are used to attach photovoltaic modules to standing seam metal panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but the building surface suffers damage leading to leakage and corrosion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting device with a slot that receives the standing seam panel edge as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of directly puncturing the panel, the slot engages with the panel edge and uses a clamp to secure the photovoltaic module, thereby achieving secure attachment without damaging the building surface
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a slot portion that engages the standing seam panel edge and a clamp portion that secures the photovoltaic module. This segmentation allows the slot to interface with the panel without penetration while the clamp provides the necessary securing force
2Reliability
If standing seam panels are used for building surfaces, then durability and aesthetics are improved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device with its slot configuration can accommodate different photovoltaic module sizes and configurations while maintaining compatibility with standing seam panels. This universal design reduces the need for custom installation solutions, thereby lowering overall installation costs while preserving the durability benefits of standing seam panels
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-penetrative mounting methods are used, then building surface integrity is preserved, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is pre-formed in the mounting device to receive the standing seam panel edge before the photovoltaic module is attached. This preliminary engagement creates a stable base that allows the subsequent clamp application to achieve secure attachment without requiring penetration of the building surface
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic module mounting assembly (200) uses a mounting device (74), mounting plate (110′), lower bracket (210), upper bracket (230), and stud (114). The mounting plate (110′) is positioned on the mounting device (74), and a leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) is positioned on the mounting plate (110′). An outside surface (222) of another leg (220) of the lower bracket (210) includes teeth (224) and engages an inside surface (238) of a leg (236) of the upper bracket (230), which also has teeth (240). The mounting plate (110′) engages a lower surface (63) of a photovoltaic module (58), an end of the leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) may engage a side surface (64) of the module (58), and a head (246) on an end of another leg (232) of the upper bracket (230) may engage an upper surface (65) of the module (58).