Rotatable Frame Part for Solo Mounting of Large Solar Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of solar panels makes them difficult to handle and mount, especially in 'east-west' or 'symmetrical' arrangements, as craftsmen cannot reach the remote sides without applying excessive force, which can damage the panels.
Innovation Solution
A frame part with a first and second gripping device, a beam, and an upright that allows the second gripping device to be positioned further from the support surface, enabling the panel to be rotated into place without leaning on it, thus allowing a single person to mount larger panels safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are mounted in 'east-west' or 'symmetrical' arrangement with adjacent sides lifted from the surface, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the accessibility for workers to reach remote sides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device incorporates a rotatable second clamp that can be positioned in different orientations. During installation, the second clamp is rotated to allow worker access from the front side. After installation, the clamp is rotated to its final position, achieving both aerodynamic performance and installation accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the second gripping device to a different spatial dimension by positioning it on the front side of the panel during installation, rather than requiring access from the remote side. The upright structure extends perpendicular to the panel surface, allowing the gripping device to be accessed from the front while still gripping the remote side of the panel
2Ease of operation
If workers lean on solar panels to reach remote sides for mounting, then the accessibility for mounting deteriorates, but the panel integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure with upright and rotatable second clamp acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary reach to the remote side of the panel. The worker operates from the front side, using the frame structure as a mechanical intermediary to secure the remote side without applying force to the panel itself
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second clamp allows the worker to access and operate the gripping device from the front side during installation. After the panel is secured, the clamp is rotated to its final position, eliminating the need for workers to lean on or apply force to the panel during mounting operations
3Strength
If the second gripping device is positioned at the remote side of the panel, then the panel can be securely gripped, but the worker cannot reach the gripping device without leaning on the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The second gripping device is positioned in a different spatial dimension by extending the upright perpendicular to the panel surface. This allows the gripping device to be located at the remote side of the panel for secure gripping, while being accessible from the front side through the vertical extension, enabling workers to operate it without leaning on the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second clamp provides dynamic positioning capability. During installation, it is rotated to a position accessible from the front side, allowing workers to reach and operate it. After installation, it is rotated to its final position for optimal gripping, resolving the conflict between reachability and gripping capability
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame part (1) for supporting at least one first solar panel (2) with respect to a support surface (3), in particular a flat roof, comprising a first gripping device (4), such as a clamp, for gripping a first solar panel (2) at or near a first longitudinal side, a second gripping device (5), such as a clamp, for gripping the first solar panel (1) at or near a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side of said panel (1), a beam (6) for positioning the first and second gripping device (4,5) at a mutual distance in a direction parallel to the support surface (3), an upright (7), connected to the beam (6) and extending at an angle from the beam (6), for keeping the second gripping device (5) at such a distance from the support surface (3) that the second gripping device (5) is further from the support surface (3) than the first gripping device (4) and the first solar panel (1) is therefore arranged at an angle to the support surface (3) when supported, wherein the second gripping device (5) is rotatably connectable to the upright (7), in order to be able to rotate the first solar panel (1) relative to the frame part (1) when engaged by the second gripping device (5).