Photovoltaic Module Coupling Platform With Progressive Snap-In Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic systems face challenges in quickly and securely attaching photovoltaic modules, requiring specialized tools and compromising installation efficiency and field quality.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic assembly with a coupling platform featuring a retractable locking mechanism and upright or U-shaped retaining devices that inhibit release, allowing for secure attachment of modules without the need for specialized tools, using a support member to facilitate mounting on tracking or rooftop systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fasteners or special tools are used to attach PV modules, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation efficiency and field quality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidfield quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupling body with opening, a retractable locking mechanism with locking protrusion, and an upright hook shaped retaining device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick installation while ensuring secure attachment through the coordinated action of multiple specialized elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable locking mechanism automatically engages with the locking protrusion when the PV module is inserted, and the upright hook shaped retaining device automatically positions itself to prevent release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for specialized tools or complex manual operations, thereby improving installation efficiency while maintaining secure attachment through automatic locking and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but specialized tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidtool requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed to be self-operating, where the retractable locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages without requiring specialized tools. The upright hook shaped retaining device similarly operates autonomously to prevent module release. This design simplifies the attachment process to basic insertion and removal actions, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex fasteners that require tools to engage, the invention inverts the approach by designing a system where the locking mechanism is already in position and simply needs to be triggered by module insertion. The retractable locking mechanism and upright hook shaped retaining device are positioned to automatically engage with the module, reversing the traditional sequence of tool-based fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the retractable locking mechanism is made more secure, then module attachment reliability is improved, but the risk of unintended release increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule attachment securityVSAvoidunintended release risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security mechanism is segmented into two independent components: the retractable locking mechanism for primary secure attachment and the upright hook shaped retaining device for secondary prevention of release. This segmentation allows each component to address a specific aspect of security, with the locking mechanism providing strong attachment and the retaining device providing redundancy against unintended release, thereby improving overall reliability without increasing release risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upright hook shaped retaining device acts as a beforehand cushioning measure, positioned in advance to prevent unintended release of the PV module. This retaining device is pre-positioned to engage with the module before any release can occur, providing a safety buffer that protects against failures or unintended activations of the retractable locking mechanism, thereby enhancing reliability without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8567134B1Snap-in and progressive locking photovoltaic module

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 UNIRAC INC

AI summary

A photovoltaic assembly for converting solar radiation to electrical energy is described. The photovoltaic assembly includes a first photovoltaic module, a second photovoltaic module and a coupling platform. The first and second photovoltaic module each have a first side for securing to the coupling platform. The coupling platform has a retractable locking mechanism and a retaining device. The retaining device is positioned such that the first side of the second PV module inhibits the retractable locking mechanism from releasing the first side of the first PV module. The coupling platform also includes a support member for mounting to a tracking drive system or a roof top.