PV Slider Clip Assembly for Faster Rail-Mounted Module Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems are labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially for large-scale installations, due to the need for screwing and tightening multiple module edge clips onto rails, which slows down the process and increases on-site labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible PV module mounting system with prefabricated support structures and slider clips that allow for easy assembly and installation, where rails are preassembled with slider clips for quick insertion and securement of PV modules, reducing the need for on-site labor and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screwing methods are used to attach module edge clips to rails, then secure module attachment is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The slider clips are pre-assembled onto the rails in a controlled manufacturing environment before shipping to the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site screwing and tightening operations, reducing installation time while maintaining attachment security through the pre-configured clip-rail interface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screwing and tightening mechanical system with a slider clip system that uses friction and geometric interlocking. The clips slide onto the rails and engage with the modules through a combination of frictional contact and shaped engagement surfaces, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and manual tightening operations
2Reliability
If multiple clips are screwed into the rail in parallel with module installation, then module security is ensured, but the process becomes labor intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slider clips are pre-assembled onto the rails during manufacturing, allowing them to be shipped ready-to-install. At the installation site, workers simply slide the clips into position and engage the modules, eliminating the need for multiple screwing operations and significantly improving installation speed while maintaining security through the pre-configured clip positions
Solution Approach 2:
The slider clips are designed to self-engage with the modules through friction and geometric interlocking when slid into position. The clips automatically secure the modules without requiring additional tightening operations or complex adjustment procedures, enabling workers to install multiple modules rapidly while ensuring consistent security
3Manufacturing precision
If clips are half-way set, modules are positioned, and clips are final-tightened in sequence, then proper module positioning is achieved, but the multi-step process increases labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The slider clips are pre-positioned and pre-configured during manufacturing with the correct spacing and orientation. This preliminary action ensures that when the clips are slid onto the rails at the installation site, they are already in the correct positions to accommodate the modules, eliminating the need for half-way setting and final-tightening steps while maintaining precise module positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the multi-step screwing and tightening process with a single sliding and engaging operation. The slider clips use friction-based engagement and geometric interlocking to secure the modules in the correct positions without requiring sequential adjustment and tightening steps, simplifying the installation process while maintaining positioning accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for forming a clip for mounting panels to a support frame. The clip has a common support area and a pair of extending panel holder elements extending in opposite directions from the common support area, where one of the extending panel holder elements extends further from the common support area than the other.