Slide-On Spring Clamp for Top-Side Solar Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems require access to both sides of fasteners for installation, making it difficult and inefficient, especially when precise alignment of mounting holes is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A slide-on spring clamp with a centrally located slot and reverse curve clamp portion equipped with locking teeth, allowing solar panels to be secured from the top side without needing access to the underside, using attachment bolts to attach to solar panel mounting bases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolts and mounting structures are used to attach solar panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to both sides of fasteners is required making installation difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting base that attaches to the solar panel frame from one side, and a retaining member that secures the panel from the same side. This segmentation eliminates the need for through-bolts requiring access from both sides, allowing installation from a single accessible face.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional bolts that require access from both sides (conventional approach), the invention inverts the mounting approach by using a mounting base with a retaining member that secures the solar panel from a single side only. This inversion of the fastening direction eliminates the need for dual-side access and simplifies installation.
2Productivity
If pre-fastened bolts are used to attach solar panels, then attachment speed is improved, but precise alignment of mounting holes is required increasing installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base includes a retaining member with a resilient portion that automatically engages with the solar panel frame upon insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment of mounting holes, as the resilient portion self-adjusts to secure the panel, thereby maintaining high installation speed without requiring manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member transitions from an unengaged state to an engaged state through a parameter change in its resilient portion. As the solar panel frame is inserted, the resilient portion deforms and then locks into place, providing automatic positioning and securing without requiring precise pre-alignment. This dynamic parameter change enables fast installation with minimal alignment requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting systems requiring dual-side access are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base is pre-configured with a retaining member that is ready to engage the solar panel frame immediately upon insertion. The resilient portion is pre-positioned to automatically lock the panel in place, eliminating the need for subsequent fastening operations from the other side. This preliminary configuration ensures secure attachment while dramatically reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fastening function from a two-sided bolt system and consolidates it into a single-sided mounting base with an integrated retaining member. By taking out the need for dual-side access and combining all securing functions into one component accessible from a single side, the system maintains attachment security while reducing installation time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier and more efficient installation of solar panels by enabling secure attachment from the top side only, reducing installation complexity and improving alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse curve portion that curves back over itself to form a resilient gripping portion
Implementation Method 2
The reverse curve portion has locking teeth located on the interior surfaces that lock the frame in place when inserted in the slide-on clamp
Data Source
AI summary
A slide-on spring clamp for installing solar panels has a slide portion with a centrally located slot. The slot is used to attach the slide-on clamp to a solar panel mounting base using an attachment bolt that allows the installer to locate and secure a solar panel frame from the top without having to access the underside. The slide-on clamp has a clamp portion that has a reverse curve portion that curves back over itself to form a resilient gripping portion. The reverse curve portion has locking teeth located on the interior surfaces that lock the frame in place when inserted in the slide-on clamp. A stop portion is disposed the end of the slide portion. The method includes inserting a slide-on clamp on opposite sides of the frame so that the frame has at least four slide-on clamps thereon and then securing them to the mounting bases.