PV Mounting Hook Assembly With Anti-Rotation Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for photovoltaic panels and arrays face challenges in securely and safely attaching to varying surfaces, are cumbersome, require complex hardware, and struggle with rotation and shifting, leading to uneven installations and potential damage to structures.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device featuring a hook arm and hook plate with an anti-rotation system, including raised, formed, or protruding features to restrict rotation, allowing for secure and versatile attachment to surfaces, accommodating various dimensions and configurations, and resisting loads in all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners (lag bolts, screws) are used to mount photovoltaic modules to a structure, then secure attachment is achieved, but the structure's surface (e.g., ceramic or clay tiles) may be damaged or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting device with a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the photovoltaic module and the structure. The bracket attaches to the structure via fasteners while the module attaches to the bracket, distributing loads and preventing direct fastener contact with sensitive surfaces like ceramic tiles, thereby avoiding surface damage while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the structure and a module attachment mechanism that secures the photovoltaic module to the bracket. This segmentation allows the fasteners to interact only with the robust mounting bracket rather than the vulnerable structure surface, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and surface protection
2Reliability
If mounting devices are designed to be secure and safe against wind and weather forces, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mounting bracket: structural attachment to the building, module securing, anti-rotation capability, and load distribution. By merging these functions into one component rather than using separate devices for each function, the system achieves high reliability while minimizing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides attachment, support, anti-rotation, and load distribution capabilities. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple requirements for reliable mounting without requiring additional specialized components, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability
3Productivity
If the mounting device allows for quick installation and reconfiguration, then productivity is improved, but the security and stability of the attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow installers to quickly adapt the system to different module sizes and mounting scenarios while maintaining secure attachment. The dynamic adjustability enables rapid installation without requiring custom-designed mounting solutions for each case, preserving both productivity and reliability
4Manufacturing precision
If the mounting device restricts rotation and shifting to prevent uneven installation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional anti-rotation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates asymmetric features such as non-circular attachment points or keyed interfaces that naturally prevent rotation of the module relative to the mounting structure. This asymmetric design provides inherent anti-rotation capability without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms, thus achieving installation precision while minimizing added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device may include a hook arm including a first vertical portion, a center portion coupled to the first vertical portion at a first end of the center portion, and a second vertical portion coupled to the center portion at a second end of the center portion. The mounting device may also include a hook plate coupled to the hook arm at the second vertical portion via a fastener. The hook plate may include a third vertical portion and a base portion to couple the hook plate to a surface. The mounting device may further include an anti-rotation system to restrict rotation of the hook plate relative to the hook arm.