Slide-Fit PV Mounting Clips Without Roof Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in installing photovoltaic modules on metal panel building surfaces without puncturing the surface, which can lead to costly repairs, leakage, and corrosion issues, while also ensuring efficient electrical connectivity and retention of the modules.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic assembly featuring module brackets with spaced mounting clips that engage photovoltaic modules via slide fits, providing retention and electrical connectivity without penetrating the building surface, and allowing for vertical offset to enhance cooling and wire management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaic modules are installed on metal panel building surfaces using conventional penetration methods, then secure retention is achieved, but the building surface is punctured causing leakage and corrosion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-penetrating mounting clip as an intermediary device that attaches to the building surface without puncturing it. The mounting clip engages with the metal panel surface through friction and mechanical interlocking, providing secure retention while preventing water infiltration and corrosion that would result from penetration methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting clip that attaches to the building surface and a module bracket that secures the photovoltaic module. This segmentation allows the mounting clip to perform the function of surface attachment without penetration, while the module bracket provides module retention, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and surface integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-penetrating mounting methods are used to avoid damaging the building surface, then surface integrity is maintained, but retention and electrical connectivity of photovoltaic modules may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The module bracket combines multiple functions into a single component: mechanical retention of the photovoltaic module through engagement with the module frame, electrical connectivity through contact with the module's electrical contacts, and structural support. This merging ensures that non-penetrating mounting does not compromise retention or electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip and module bracket are designed as multi-functional components. The mounting clip provides both attachment to the building surface and support for the module bracket. The module bracket simultaneously provides mechanical retention, electrical connectivity, and structural support, ensuring all necessary functions are achieved without penetrating the building surface.
3Reliability
If photovoltaic modules are securely retained on building surfaces, then operational stability is ensured, but airflow for cooling and access for wire management may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The module bracket is designed with a three-dimensional structure that provides vertical offset between the photovoltaic module and the building surface. This dimensional arrangement creates space for airflow to pass through, enabling cooling while maintaining secure retention. The bracket's geometry allows airflow to move horizontally and vertically, preventing heat buildup without compromising operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A module bracket includes first and second mounting clips (202, 204) that are spaced from each other along the pitch of a roofing surface. An inlet (212) to the first mounting clip (202) faces or projects in the general direction that the second mounting clip (204) is spaced from the first mounting clip (202). An inlet (212) to the second mounting clip (204) faces or projects in the general direction that the first mounting clip (202) is spaced from the second mounting clip (204). A second module flange (134) of a first photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the first mounting clip (202) of the module bracket. A first module flange (128) of a second photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the second mounting clip (204) of this same module bracket.