Sliding Solar Panel Connector to Replace Screw and Rivet Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching solar panels to trackers in solar farms, such as screwing or riveting, are time-consuming and inefficient, leading to increased setup costs and uneven stress distribution, which can result in screws or rivets coming loose under atmospheric conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support connector with a U-shaped profile and a solar panel connector with a C-shaped profile, allowing for sliding attachment and a locking mechanism using elastic portions and holes to secure the panel in place, eliminating the need for screws or rivets and distributing mechanical stress more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screwing or riveting is used to attach solar panels to trackers, then the connection is secure, but the attachment process becomes very time-consuming and increases setup costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screwing or riveting mechanical system with a sliding insertion system. The support connector features a U-shaped profile with vertical rails that receive the panel connector, allowing rapid sliding attachment without threaded fasteners. This substitution maintains connection security while dramatically reducing attachment time and eliminating the need for tools.
2Reliability
If screwing or riveting is used to attach solar panels to trackers, then the connection is secure, but the stress is transmitted only through specific points causing screws or rivets to come loose under atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based stress transmission (screws/rivets at specific locations) to line-based stress distribution. The vertical rails of the support connector create a continuous connection line along which stress is distributed. The panel connector slides along these rails, creating a linear stress path that extends across multiple attachment points, thereby reducing stress concentration at any single location and preventing fastener failure under wind and atmospheric loads.
3Reliability
If screwing or riveting is used to attach solar panels to trackers, then the connection is secure, but the process requires many tools and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex fastening tools (screwdrivers, rivet guns) and multiple personnel by replacing them with a simple sliding insertion mechanism. The support connector and panel connector are designed to engage through direct sliding motion, requiring only manual handling and no specialized tools. This extraction of tool requirements simplifies the attachment process while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking U-shaped and C-shaped profiles.
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
This system simplifies and speeds up the attachment process, reduces the need for tools and personnel, and ensures that mechanical stress is distributed along the entire connection line, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of components coming loose.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism comprising a protruding elastic portion provided in one of the solar panel connector and the support connector, and a hole provided in the other of the solar panel connector and the support connector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching a solar panel to a support, includes a support connector and a solar panel connector, where the support connector includes a U-shaped profile having a lower wall and two side walls, where an upper end of the side walls is bent inwards to provide vertical rails for receiving the panel connector; and the panel connector include a profile having: an upper C-shaped portion configured for receiving a side edge of a solar panel; a lower, upwardly oriented channel portion configured for receiving the vertical rail of the support connector; and at least one box-shaped portion connecting the upper C-shaped portion and the lower channel portion.