Solar Panel Holder with Adjustable Supports for Frame Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module holders require numerous variations to accommodate different frame geometries, leading to increased manufacturing complexity, cost, and installation time due to the need for multiple designs and fastening mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A modular holder with adjustable support surfaces formed by angled tongues and a V-shaped slot system, allowing for easy alignment and pivoting of solar module legs without fasteners, along with optional pointed projections for electrical contact and a redundant fixed stop for enhanced stability, made from sheet metal for efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holder designs are manufactured to accommodate different frame geometries, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder base plate is designed with a universal V-shaped slot system that can accommodate multiple frame geometries. The slot geometry (with banks at 10° to 40° angles) allows different leg configurations to be inserted and secured in the same holder design, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holder variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surfaces are designed as movable tongues that can pivot and adjust their position. This dynamic mechanism allows the same holder to adapt to different frame sizes and geometries by adjusting the tongue positions, rather than requiring fixed, geometry-specific support structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holder designs are manufactured for different frame geometries, then adaptability is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single holder base plate design with standardized V-shaped slots can serve multiple frame geometries. The slot geometry (with banks at 10° to 40° angles) is universally applicable to different leg configurations, reducing the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is segmented into modular components: a standardized base plate with V-shaped slots and adjustable tongue elements. This segmentation allows the base plate to be mass-produced in a standard configuration, while only the tongue positions need adjustment for different applications.
3Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure solar modules, then reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue mechanism automatically secures the frame leg through its own movement. When the leg is inserted into the V-shaped slot and the support surface is actuated, the tongue pivots and locks the leg in place through its geometry alone, without requiring separate fasteners, clips, or fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped slot with angled banks acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts simple linear insertion into secure angular locking. The slot geometry mediates between the inserted leg and the support surface, automatically creating a locked position through its angular banks (10° to 40°) without requiring additional fastening components.
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
Enables secure and rapid mounting of solar modules across various frame geometries with reduced production and assembly efforts, ensuring durability and reliability by distributing load effectively and preventing static charges.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pointed projection extends from one bank in the direction of the opposite other bank. The proposed pointed projections serve to pierce a paint or anodized layer or other layer that may be provided on the leg, so that an electrical contact is established between the holder and the frame. This allows unwanted static charges to be discharged from the frame via the holder to earth.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a holder (6) for a solar panel comprising a rectangular frame (R) that has a peripheral side wall (4), from at least one side of which a leg (3) extends that points towards the inside of the frame. The holder (6) comprises a base plate (19) from which two receiving elements (20) extend to accommodate the leg (3). According to the invention, at least one support surface (Sf) for supporting the side wall (4) is associated with each receiving element (20). Said at least one support surface (Sf) is mounted on the base plate (19), and the distance of the support surface (Sf) from the receiving element (20) can be modified.