Rear-Access Module Clamp for Solar Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substructures and module clamps for solar modules require a large number of operations for assembly, especially in larger systems, and pose difficulties in accessing and securing upper modules on inclined carriers, making the process time-consuming and challenging.
Innovation Solution
The substructure and module clamp design allows for adjustable compressive force on the rear frame leg of solar modules, enabling assembly from the rear instead of the front, with features like hanging straps, ramp-shaped assembly aids, and a clamping plate with a self-aligning screw for secure fixing, facilitating easier installation on inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If module clamps are screwed to the front side of solar modules, then the solar modules can be fixed securely on the module carrier, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult for upper modules on inclined carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional assembly approach by moving from the front side to the rear side of the solar module. The module clamp is designed with a clamp body that engages with the frame leg from the rear, and the screw connection is accessed from the rear side through an opening in the clamp body, allowing assembly without accessing the front side of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame leg serves as an intermediary element that transmits the clamping force from the clamp body to the solar module frame. The clamp body clamps the frame leg, which in turn secures the solar module, providing an indirect but effective fixing mechanism that simplifies assembly.
2Reliability
If module clamps are screwed from the front side of solar modules, then proper fixing can be achieved, but the number of operations increases significantly for each solar module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the assembly direction to the rear side of the module, where the clamp body engages the frame leg and the screw is accessed through a rear opening in the clamp body. This inversion reduces the number of operations by eliminating the need to access the front side of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed with an integrated opening that provides direct access to the screw connection from the rear side. This self-service design allows the clamp body to facilitate its own installation by providing built-in access pathways, reducing the complexity and number of operations required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the module carrier has an inclined angle for optimal solar energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but accessibility for installing upper modules becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the assembly approach by working from the rear side of the module rather than the front side. This allows installers to access the screw connection from the rear opening of the clamp body, which is accessible from below, making it feasible to install upper modules on inclined carriers without requiring access from above.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of access by moving from front-side access (horizontal/vertical plane) to rear-side access (depth dimension). The opening in the clamp body allows the screw to be accessed from the rear, providing a new dimensional pathway that bypasses the accessibility problem on inclined surfaces.
4Reliability
If conventional module clamps are used with front-side screwing, then proper fixing is achieved, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function and the screw access function into a single integrated clamp body structure. The opening in the clamp body serves dual purposes: it allows the screw to pass through for securing the frame leg, and it provides access from the rear side. This merging reduces the need for separate access holes or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides clamping force on the frame leg, structural support for the solar module, and an integrated access pathway for the screw connection. This universality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A substructure for framed solar modules, wherein the solar module frames (14) have a frame profile on the rear of which an inwardly extending frame leg (15) is formed in a region or around the entire circumference, with a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises at least one upper longitudinal beam (4a) and one lower longitudinal beam (4b), and with module carriers (5) mounted on the longitudinal beams (4a, 4b) for receiving the solar modules (6), is characterized with regard to simplified and faster assembly in that the module carriers (5) each have a front web (10) for supporting the frame leg (15) of a solar module frame (14) and that a module clamp (7) is provided for fixing a solar module (6) on a module carrier (5), which exerts a compressive force on the frame leg (15) that can be produced by means of a screw connection with the front web (10) of the module carrier (5).Furthermore, a module clamp for mounting framed solar modules on a module carrier is specified.