Quick locking device for connecting photovoltaic solar panels to a support structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic solar panel installation methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and lack reliability and safety, especially when performed manually or on mobile sun-tracking structures.

Innovation Solution

An automatic quick locking device that includes mutual engagement elements and a blocking element, allowing the photovoltaic solar panel to be automatically locked onto a support structure via a rectilinear motion, ensuring precise centering and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional installation methods are used for photovoltaic solar panels, then the installation process is reliable and secure, but the installation procedure is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into separate functional components: mutual engagement elements for centering and a blocking element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick installation without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mutual engagement elements are pre-configured on both the panel and support structure to automatically align and center the panel during approach. This preliminary centering action eliminates the need for manual positioning adjustments during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual installation is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but the installation procedure becomes time-consuming and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual installation easeVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to perform the centering and locking functions automatically through the interaction of mutual engagement elements and blocking elements. The system self-activates during the approach motion, requiring no manual intervention for the critical locking actions, thus maintaining ease of operation while dramatically reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is pre-positioned to engage automatically when the panel reaches the correct position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking action occurs naturally during the installation approach, making manual installation both easy and rapid without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If secure attachment is ensured through traditional methods, then connection reliability is high, but the installation process lacks safety against panel damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidrisk of panel damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mutual engagement elements are designed to guide the panel into precise centering before the blocking element engages. This preliminary guidance cushioning prevents misalignment forces that could damage the panel, ensuring both secure attachment and panel safety during the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering function is performed in advance through the mutual engagement elements before the final locking engagement. This preliminary centering action ensures the panel is properly positioned and aligned, eliminating the risk of damage from forced or misaligned installation while maintaining high connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3711158B1Quick locking device for connecting photovoltaic solar panels to a support structure
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 ENEL GREEN POWER SPA
  • EP3711158B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3711158B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3711158B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The photovoltaic solar panels (1) are installed above a support structure (S) arranged in an open space. Each photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) is provided with a respective frame (F) which is coupled to the support structure (S) with the help of a quick locking device (B), after a lowering motion of the photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) on the support structure (S).