Solar Module Clamp Assembly for Rotational Alignment and Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module mounting systems face challenges in efficiently aligning and securing adjacent solar modules to a support structure, particularly in maintaining rotational alignment and ensuring proper electrical grounding while allowing for easy assembly and installation.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a stabilization member that maintains rotational alignment between upper and lower clamp members, allowing for easy insertion and secure clamping of solar modules, and includes a rail with ribs for enhanced electrical grounding, along with skirt clips for module-level coupling and aesthetic concealment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp assembly is used to mount solar modules to a rail, then the solar modules can be securely mounted, but it becomes difficult to maintain rotational alignment between adjacent modules during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization member acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower clamp members. It mechanically couples these components while maintaining rotational alignment, allowing the clamp assembly to securely mount solar modules without compromising alignment during assembly. The stabilization member's geometry and engagement features ensure that adjacent modules remain properly oriented relative to each other.
2Strength
If the upper clamp member is positioned close to the rail for secure clamping, then mounting strength is improved, but insertion of solar modules becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly utilizes dynamic positioning through the stabilization member, which allows the upper clamp member to be positioned close to the rail for secure clamping while maintaining the ability to insert solar modules. The stabilization member's design enables controlled movement and adjustment during the insertion process, accommodating both strong clamping and easy insertion requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the clamp assembly to ensure proper alignment and grounding, then mounting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization member merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides rotational alignment between clamp members, maintains proper orientation of adjacent solar modules, and contributes to electrical grounding through its engagement with the rail. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining mounting reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilization member is biased to support the upper clamp member, then rotational alignment is maintained, but the clearance for module insertion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization member employs controlled biasing with adjustable parameters that allow optimization between rotational alignment stability and insertion clearance. By modifying the bias force, preload, or geometric parameters of the stabilization member, the system can accommodate both the need for maintaining rotational alignment and providing sufficient clearance for module insertion during assembly.
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 efficient assembly and secure mounting of solar modules by maintaining rotational alignment and improving electrical grounding, while allowing for easy installation and aesthetic concealment of components, enhancing the overall performance and safety of solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilization member in the relaxed state can be biased to support at least the weight of the upper clamp member to prevent translation of the upper clamp member towards the lower clamp member along the major axis
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.