Rotatable Holder Device for Flexible Solar Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holder devices for surface modules, such as solar panels, are inflexible and require multiple types for different installation situations, increasing costs and complexity, and are difficult to use on sloping roofs due to specific assembly requirements and limited adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A holder device with a head section and foot section connected by a screw, allowing the head section to rotate relative to the foot section in multiple angular positions (90 or 270 degrees), enabling the same device to securely fasten one or two surface modules without additional locking mechanisms, using snap-in connections and surface friction for flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of holder devices are used for different installation situations, then the adaptability to various installation scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device is designed with a rotatable head section that can assume multiple angular positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) relative to the foot section, enabling a single device type to perform multiple functions for different installation configurations. This allows one holder device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity and inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The head section is designed to be rotatable relative to the foot section through a connecting element, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the holder device to adapt its configuration during installation, enabling it to accommodate various installation scenarios (single module, double module, different orientations) with a single device type, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If predefined assembly positions with openings are required, then the manufacturing precision of connection points is improved, but the ease of operation and flexibility during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device is segmented into a foot section and a head section that can rotate independently relative to each other. The foot section maintains precise positioning on the carrier through predefined engagement features, while the head section provides rotational flexibility for connecting to modules. This segmentation allows the precision requirements to be localized to the foot-carrier interface, while the head section offers operational flexibility without compromising connection precision.
3Ease of operation
If simple holders with minimal components are used, then the ease of operation on difficult-to-access locations is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable head section provides dynamic adaptability that enhances both simplicity and reliability. The rotational mechanism allows the installer to easily adjust the holder to the correct orientation (improving ease of operation), while the same rotational capability ensures proper alignment and secure engagement with the module, thereby maintaining connection reliability. The connecting element between head and foot sections provides a reliable mechanical linkage that maintains structural integrity throughout the rotation range.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a holding device (10) for fastening, in particular for clamping, a surface module (20), in particular a framed solar panel, to at least one support (30), in particular a profile rail, comprising a head section (12) designed to interact with the surface module (20), a foot section (16) designed to interact with the support (30), and a connecting element (19) by means of which the head section (12) can be connected to the foot section (16), wherein the head section (12) can be displaced relative to the foot section (16) along a vertical axis (H) of the holding device (10) by means of the connecting element (19), wherein the head section (12) can be stored relative to the foot section (16) in at least two angular positions rotated relative to each other about the vertical axis (H), each with a predetermined angle of rotation.This allows for the simple and flexible assembly of surface modules using a single type of mounting device.