S-Shaped Positioning Strip for Simplified Solar Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar systems face challenges with stability under windy conditions, gaps between panels leading to structural weaknesses, complex assembly processes, and safety concerns such as fire and rain penetration, due to the use of I-shaped positioning strips that require precise panel alignment and insertion.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a positioning bar with S-shaped cross-section and holding elements that grip behind the panels, allowing for easier and quicker assembly by eliminating the need for precise panel alignment and insertion, while providing increased stability through cross-strut formation and sealing gaps between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If I-shaped positioning strips are used to secure panels, then a secure connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning strip is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section having front and rear tabs that can independently engage with panels. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where panels can be independently positioned and secured without complex multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning strip acts as an intermediary element between mounting beams and solar panels, providing a simplified connection interface. The strip's tabs engage with both the mounting structure and panels, mediating the connection in a single operation rather than requiring direct panel-to-beam attachment.
2Reliability
If I-shaped positioning strips with front and rear tabs are used, then panel securing is improved, but installation time increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning strip is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section having front and rear tabs that can independently engage with panels. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where panels can be independently positioned and secured without complex multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning strip's geometry and tab configuration enable self-aligning during installation. The front and rear tabs are designed to naturally guide panel placement into the correct position, reducing the need for precise manual positioning and measurement during installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If gaps are left between panels for structural flexibility, then assembly is simplified, but wind resistance and fire safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of leaving gaps between panels and adding separate components to close them, the positioning strip inverts the approach by having its tabs extend to actively engage and close the gaps. The front tab of one strip engages the rear edge of the preceding panel while the rear tab engages the front edge of the succeeding panel, thereby eliminating gaps as part of the primary positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning strip merges multiple functions into a single component: structural positioning, gap closure, wind load distribution, and fire/rain protection. By combining these functions, the system achieves enhanced safety without requiring separate assembly steps or additional components.
4Strength
If a grid-like arrangement of mounting beams and positioning strips is used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning strip serves multiple functions within the grid structure: it positions panels, secures them to mounting beams, closes gaps between panels, and distributes wind loads. This multi-functionality allows the grid arrangement to achieve high structural strength without proportionally increasing assembly complexity, as the same component performs all these tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning strip is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section having front and rear tabs that can independently engage with panels. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where panels can be independently positioned and secured without complex multi-step procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a solar power system with at least two adjacent solar panels (1, a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) and mounting beams (9) for attaching the solar power system to a substrate, wherein the mounting beams (9) extend in a transverse direction (Q) and the panels (1, a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) are supported along the mounting beams (9), wherein a positioning strip (2) is arranged between at least two adjacent solar panels (1, a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction (L) from one mounting beam (9) to another mounting beam (9), wherein the positioning strip (2) has an S-shape in cross-section and a front tab (7) for contacting the front (17) of a first adjacent panel (1e) and a rear tab (3) for attaching to the rear side (18) of a second adjacent panel (1f), and that the rear tab (3) has at least one retaining element (4,15) for holding the positioning strip (2) to the second panel (1f) by engaging behind part of the second panel (1f).