PV Module Mounting Clips With Integrated Ground Bonding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic (PV) module mounting and grounding systems require multiple small fasteners, leading to high part counts, slow installation times, and increased costs, and often lack compatibility with different roof types and PV module designs, including those with grooved or flat surfaces, and fail to provide a reliable electrical ground bond.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus comprising supports with upper and lower surfaces, tabs, and openings, and clips with arms and notches that resist wind and seismic forces, allowing for efficient installation of PV modules on various surfaces by arranging supports in rows and columns, and connecting them using lever clips that create an electrical ground bond between the PV module, support, and clip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple small fasteners are used for mounting PV modules, then the mounting system can be securely attached to various surfaces, but the installation time increases and costs increase due to high part count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated mounting bracket that can securely attach PV modules to various surfaces without requiring multiple separate fasteners, thereby reducing part count and installation time while maintaining mounting security
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with multi-functional capabilities to work with different PV module types and surface configurations, eliminating the need for specialized tools or additional fasteners for various mounting scenarios
2Reliability
If specialized flanges or specially designed tools are required for installation, then the mounting system can provide secure attachment, but the device complexity increases and compatibility with different PV module designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates universal attachment features that work with standard PV module frames and various surface types without requiring specialized flanges or custom tools, enhancing both reliability and compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design separates the mounting function from PV module-specific features, allowing the same bracket to accommodate different module designs through standardized interface points
3Reliability
If a high part count is used in the mounting system, then the system can provide comprehensive mounting and grounding capabilities, but the costs increase and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates mounting and grounding functions into a single bracket assembly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and grounding components, thereby reducing part count while maintaining comprehensive mounting and grounding capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions including mechanical attachment, electrical grounding, and structural support simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.