Fastening device for at least one solar collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for solar collectors require many small parts, are prone to assembly errors, and do not ensure secure weight distribution during installation, especially on sloping roofs, leading to potential detachment over time.
Innovation Solution
A collector clamp with a mechanical display device, comprising an upper hold-down part and a lower assembly aid part with integrated sliders and spring elements, providing clear visual cues for correct positioning and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional collector clamps are used without visual indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but assembly errors increase and correct positioning cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded sliders (green for correct position, red for incorrect position) that change appearance based on their position within the clamp. This visual indication system allows assembly workers to immediately verify correct installation without complex measurement tools, resolving the contradiction between assembly accuracy and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical display device acts as an intermediary between the clamp's internal positioning mechanism and the assembler's visual verification. The sliders serve as mediators that translate the complex internal geometry and positioning requirements into simple visual signals, enabling reliable assembly without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If collector clamps require precise positioning on sloping roofs, then installation safety improves, but assembly difficulty increases due to unfavorable working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design incorporates self-aligning features where the upper and lower parts automatically position themselves during installation. The guided slots and complementary geometries enable the components to self-correct minor positioning errors, allowing safe installation on sloping roofs without requiring highly skilled workers or complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual display system provides immediate feedback on positioning accuracy, allowing assemblers to verify correct installation even under difficult working conditions on sloping roofs. The color-coded indicators eliminate the need for complex measurement and verification procedures, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring installation safety.
3Manufacturing precision
If the collector clamp uses a fixed rigid structure, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability to different solar collector geometries decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates movable sliders within guided slots that allow dynamic adjustment during assembly. These sliders can move along predetermined paths to accommodate variations in solar collector frame geometries while maintaining precise final positioning. This dynamic element enables the rigid clamp structure to adapt to different collector types without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate upper and lower parts with independent adjustment capabilities. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific functions while working together to accommodate various solar collector geometries. The modular structure maintains dimensional accuracy through precision-machined interfaces while providing adaptability through independent positioning of each segment.
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
Ensures precise and safe installation of solar collectors with reduced assembly errors and increased safety by providing clear visual instructions and self-explanatory handling, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment to the support structure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device acting in the longitudinal direction on the lower part 3, which is mounted on the lower part 3, with two symmetrically arranged spring elements, which are prestressed when the correct position is reached during assembly, and act with the ends directed towards the longitudinal axis of the lower part 3 on the crossbar on the slide 9
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device for at least one solar collector with a lateral projection or an undercut in the lower area of the enclosing frame, in particular for so-called above-roof and flat-roof installation, comprising at least one carrier rail for fastening to associated roof hooks or other mounting systems and at least one in or on a Collector tensioner (1) guided by the profile rail. The invention is therefore based on the object of optimizing the so-called above-roof and flat-roof installation of solar collectors. The invention is characterized in that the collector clamp (1) has a mechanical display device (4) which signals that the correct position has been reached during assembly of the collector clamp (1) between two solar collectors.