Photovoltaic Panel Mounting Plate With Integrated Hook and Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing multiple photovoltaic panels on a roof or wall are costly and inefficient, requiring numerous fixing devices and risking loss, with existing solutions not providing easy, economical, and adjustable juxtaposition along the slope line or vertically.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a base plate and a one-piece blocking member that includes hooks to retain the module's edge, a relief for spacing, and a second leg to engage with another device, performing a triple function of keeping the module in place, defining spacing, and holding the base plate of another device, made from metal, metal alloy, or synthetic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate fixing devices with hooking lugs are used to install photovoltaic panels one above another, then the panels can be fixed to the supporting structure, but the cost increases and the risk of loss of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of fixing devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate fixing devices into a single integrated fixing device. The base plate incorporates both first blocking members (with first lugs) for fixing the lower panel and second blocking members (with second lugs) for fixing the upper panel. This merging reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining reliable fixation of multiple panels stacked vertically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the photovoltaic module, incorporates first blocking members to retain the lower panel, and includes second blocking members to fix the upper panel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing devices for each panel, reducing component quantity and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If numerous fixing devices with hooking lugs are supplied and attached to each base plate, then the panels can be secured, but the installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel securingVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating first and second blocking members into a single base plate, the patent reduces the number of attachment operations required. Installers attach one base plate instead of multiple separate fixing devices, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure panel fixation through the combined blocking members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second blocking members are pre-integrated into the base plate during manufacturing, with their lugs positioned to engage with notches in the photovoltaic module frames. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate fixing devices are used for each photovoltaic panel, then each panel can be independently fixed, but the overall device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent panel fixingVSAvoidfixing device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple independent fixing devices into a single base plate structure. The first and second blocking members are integrated components of the same base plate, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently secure multiple panels through their respective lugs and notches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional fixing methods are used, then panels can be installed on roofs or walls, but the thermal and mechanical integrity may be compromised due to improper spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel installationVSAvoidthermal and mechanical integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The relief (espacement) integrated into the base plate acts as an intermediary element that maintains proper spacing between the photovoltaic module and the supporting structure. This built-in spacer ensures adequate thermal and mechanical clearance, protecting the module's integrity while facilitating proper installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2575182B1Device for attaching at least one photovoltaic module to a supporting structure, photovoltaic panel and unit including at least two photovoltaic panels each provided with such a device

Publication Date: 2015.04.22 CAPTELIA

Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The device has a base plate (11) that is equipped with a set of hooks (17) or a locking unit (18). The set of hooks retains a lower longitudinal edge of a photovoltaic module (1) of a lower photovoltaic panel (P1) in place on the base plate, where the photovoltaic module is provided with sixteen photovoltaic cells. A leg (184) overlaps a front face (4) of the photovoltaic module adjacent to an upper longitudinal edge. Another leg (185) extends in a partial vertical manner opposite to another front face (13A) of the base plate. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a photovoltaic panel (2) a photovoltaic panel assembly.