Quick Fastening Device for Solar Collector Panel Support Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar collector support structures require numerous screws and complex joints for assembly, making the installation process time-consuming and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A support structure utilizing quick fastening elements with open shapes and mechanical elasticity for joining base and secondary bars, reducing the need for screws and simplifying the assembly process by using fitting and clipping mechanisms between bars and the base structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional screwed joints are used to join bars and support means, then the connection strength is ensured, but the assembly time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidnumber of screws and joints
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screwed joints and integrates it into the bar structure itself through grooves and protrusions. The joining mechanism is built into the bars, eliminating the need for separate screws and fasteners, thus reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces grooves and protrusions as intermediary joining elements that mediate between bars and support means. These features act as built-in connectors that simplify the joining process by providing direct mechanical interlocking without requiring additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple screwed joints are used to ensure structural stability, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves and protrusions are pre-formed during manufacturing, so the joining capability is prepared in advance. During installation, workers simply need to align and insert the bars, and the pre-formed features automatically provide the connection, eliminating the time-consuming process of selecting, inserting, and tightening multiple screws

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bars with grooves and protrusions are self-fastening structures that automatically secure themselves when assembled. The mechanical interlocking features engage automatically upon insertion, providing structural stability without requiring additional fastening actions or multiple joints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates faster and more efficient assembly of solar collector panels by minimizing the use of screws and joints, thereby reducing installation time and enhancing structural stability.

Implementation Method 1

quick fastening device comprising at least first fastening elements for joining the base bars and the secondary bars and second fastening elements for joining the first secondary bar and the support bars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical elasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3450876B1Support structure for installing solar collector panels, comprising a quick fastening device
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 CARDONA DOMINGUEZ SERGIO
  • EP3450876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450876B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3450876B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A quick fastening device for structures, preferably for installing solar panels, of those that are located in roofing, terraces or tiling, and which comprise a fastening to the corresponding floor and a support structure of solar collector panels, for the use thereof in the joining of the floor, tiling or roofing and the structure, as well as joining of the bars (30, 40, 41, 50) of said structure, wherein at least one of said bars (30, 40, 41, 50) is provided with at least one longitudinal housing or groove, and wherein the fastening device is formed by a body that has elastic tabs or fins, able to be clasped on the inside or outside in the grooves (100, 102) of one of the bars (30, 50) and said device being retained in said grooves by means of the elastic action of said elastic tabs or fins, due to the retention of said tabs or fins in the corresponding housings;