Sheet-Metal Solar Module Mount for Stable Sun-Tracking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module holding devices are inefficient in terms of material usage and assembly, with complex production processes and high material waste, while also lacking in stability and ease of assembly for solar modules that need to be mounted on a rotatable axis to track the sun's position.
Innovation Solution
A solar module holding device with a one-piece sheet metal base body featuring integrally formed hook-shaped holding elements and a design that allows for efficient production with minimal material waste, incorporating a tapering structure for optimal force distribution and stability, along with features like side walls and axle support elements for secure mounting and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar module holding devices use complex production processes with multiple components, then assembly stability can be improved, but material waste increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base body, holding elements, mounting elements) into a single integrally molded base body. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and assembly steps, reducing material waste while maintaining structural stability for solar module mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally molded base body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains hook-shaped holding elements for securing modules, includes mounting elements for attachment, and offers a support surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing material consumption while ensuring assembly stability.
2Strength
If solar module holding devices use traditional multi-component designs, then structural strength can be maintained, but manufacturing time increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrally molded base body, eliminating sequential assembly steps and reducing manufacturing time. The integral design maintains structural strength through continuous material flow while enabling faster production through single-step manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements and mounting elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the base body during the molding process itself, rather than being added separately afterward. This preliminary formation of all structural features in one step significantly improves manufacturing efficiency while preserving structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If solar module mounting elements are arranged centrally on the base body, then assembly simplicity can be improved, but stability and force distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where hook-shaped holding elements are positioned offset from the center line toward the side walls of the base body. This asymmetric positioning optimizes force distribution across the structure during solar module mounting, preventing stress concentration at the center while maintaining assembly simplicity through the intuitive hook design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are strategically positioned at specific locations offset from the center, creating local quality variations in the structure. This localized positioning optimizes the force distribution at critical mounting points while the overall simple integral design maintains ease of assembly.
4Reliability
If solar module holding devices use extensive material for robust construction, then stability and strength are improved, but material consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all functional elements into a single integrally molded base body, eliminating redundant materials that would exist in multi-component designs. This merging achieves mounting stability through optimized structural integration while minimizing total material consumption by removing unnecessary components and connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral molding process allows for optimized material distribution throughout the base body, concentrating material where structural strength is needed while using minimal material in non-critical areas. This parameter optimization achieves robust mounting stability with reduced overall material consumption compared to traditional multi-component designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a solar module holding device (10) which is designed to facilitate the installation of at least one solar module (12), in particular a solar module which follows the position of the sun, with an axle (14), in particular a rotatable axle, and a main part (16) which forms at least one support surface (18) that is designed to support at least one part of the solar module (12), wherein the main part (16) is designed as a sheet metal part, preferably a single-piece sheet metal part.