Sliding Solar Panel Mounting Assembly for Tight Panel Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems lack adjustability and flexibility to accommodate surface structures and reduce gaps between panels, limiting their installation efficiency and adaptability to non-planar surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a movable module mount coupled to a mounting base with an elongated opening, allowing the solar panel to be angled and positioned to minimize gaps between panels and accommodate surface features, while being securely attached using anchor openings and support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used, then the installation process is simple, but the system lacks adaptability to accommodate surface structures and reduce gaps between panels
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates a movable module mount that can slide within an elongated opening of the mounting base, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one. This allows the solar panel position to be adjusted along the axis of the elongated opening, enabling accommodation of surface structures and gap reduction while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting base with an elongated opening, a module mount with separate first and second mount portions, and anchor openings. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adaptability of the system
2Area of stationary object
If panels are mounted closely together, then the space required is reduced, but the mounting system must accommodate varying panel positions and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The movable module mount within the elongated opening enables dynamic adjustment of panel positioning. The module mount can slide to different positions along the axis, allowing panels to be mounted at varying distances from each other while maintaining structural integrity, thus reducing the fixed space requirement
3Reliability
If the mounting system is made secure and stable, then the solar panel is firmly attached, but the system loses flexibility for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustability during installation through the movable module mount within the elongated opening. Once the desired position is achieved, the module mount can be secured to the mounting base, providing both adjustability during setup and stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated opening is pre-configured in the mounting base to accommodate the module mount's movement. This preliminary design allows the module mount to be freely adjustable during installation, and then securely fixed in the desired position, achieving both ease of operation and mounting security
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to a surface includes a mounting base that is supported on the surface. The mounting base defines an elongated opening that extends along an axis. A module mount can be coupled to the mounting base. The module mount includes a first mount portion that is received within the elongated opening of the mounting base such that the module mount is movable with respect to the mounting base along the axis. A second mount portion is coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panel to the surface through the mounting base.