Solar module clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel assembly and maintenance are cumbersome due to inadequate solar tracking assembly techniques, making it difficult to efficiently configure and secure solar modules in the field.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with attachment members, including rails and U-bolts, that can be easily mounted and configured to securely lock solar modules in place, utilizing a cam structure for interlocking and a U-bolt clamp system to integrate with tracker systems, allowing for easy access and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional solar panel assembly techniques are used, then solar modules can be assembled, but the assembly process is cumbersome and difficult to maintain in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into distinct modular components including a clamp body, cam actuator, and attachment members that can be independently assembled and maintained. This segmentation allows field technicians to replace individual components without dismantling the entire solar module assembly, directly addressing the cumbersome maintenance issue while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam actuator mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamp to transition between locked and unlocked states smoothly. This dynamic feature enables easy field adjustment and maintenance without requiring complex tools or procedures, improving ease of operation while the cam's simple geometric form keeps the device complexity low.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solar modules are securely locked in place, then stability is improved, but assembly and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam actuator mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamp to transition between locked and unlocked states smoothly. This dynamic feature enables easy field adjustment and maintenance without requiring complex tools or procedures, improving ease of operation while the cam's simple geometric form keeps the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates self-aligning features and self-tightening characteristics through the cam mechanism, which automatically secures the solar module when activated. This self-service capability ensures stable locking without requiring complex adjustment procedures or specialized tools during assembly and maintenance, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining high stability.
3Productivity
If conventional attachment methods are used, then solar panels can be mounted, but installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body and attachment members are pre-configured in the assembly device during manufacturing, with the cam actuator pre-positioned to engage with the solar module frame. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly procedures, allowing installers to simply activate the cam mechanism to secure modules quickly, thereby improving productivity while minimizing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is divided into distinct modular components including a clamp body, cam actuator, and attachment members that can be independently assembled and maintained. This segmentation allows field technicians to replace individual components without dismantling the entire solar module assembly, directly addressing the cumbersome maintenance issue while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
4Ease of operation
If simple attachment structures are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but securing strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam actuator mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamp to transition between locked and unlocked states smoothly. This dynamic feature enables easy field adjustment and maintenance without requiring complex tools or procedures, improving ease of operation while the cam's simple geometric form keeps the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam actuator utilizes a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage, enabling a simple rotational action to generate substantial securing strength on the solar module, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and high securing strength without complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar module configured in a frame assembly with multi-configuration attachment member(s), which has locking and unlocking characteristics.