Solar Module End Holder With Sawtooth Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for solar modules lack versatility and ease of installation, particularly for modules of different heights, as they often require stepwise height adjustments and are not easily adaptable to various dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable end bracket with a receiving angle element and a fastening element featuring sawtooth profiles allows for virtually stepless height adjustment by enabling relative movement between the elements, ensuring precise and secure mounting of solar modules of varying heights using a screw-based adjustment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a height-adjustable end bracket with sawtooth profiles is used, then height adjustment precision and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the receiving angle element and fastening element. It translates rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling precise height adjustment without requiring complex direct adjustment mechanisms on both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sawtooth profiles enable discrete parameter changes in height adjustment. By engaging different teeth of the sawtooth profiles, the bracket can be adjusted to various predetermined height positions, providing precision through standardized incremental changes rather than continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the end bracket allows relative movement between receiving angle element and fastening element, then ease of height adjustment is improved, but reliability of fixed position decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of height adjustmentVSAvoidreliability of fixed position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end bracket transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The receiving angle element can move relative to the fastening element during adjustment, then locks into position when the adjustment element engages the sawtooth profiles, providing both ease of adjustment and reliability in the final position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment range is segmented into discrete positions defined by the sawtooth profile teeth. This segmentation allows easy adjustment to predetermined positions while ensuring reliable locking at each segment, as the adjustment element engages with individual teeth rather than requiring continuous positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the end bracket is designed for versatile use with different module heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different module heightsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end bracket is designed as a universal mounting solution that can accommodate different solar module heights. The combination of the receiving angle element with adjustable features and the fastening element with sawtooth profiles creates a single device that performs multiple height adjustment functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brackets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the adjustment element generates contact pressure on the solar module, then mounting reliability is improved, but ease of adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element applies contact pressure in a periodic manner through the engagement of sawtooth profile teeth. As the adjustment element rotates, it periodically engages with the teeth, creating discrete adjustment steps. This periodic action allows easy incremental adjustment while maintaining reliable contact pressure when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3040640B1End holder and fastening system for mounting solar modules
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 MOUNTING SYSTEM GMBH
  • EP3040640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3040640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Height-adjustable end holder (100) for attaching solar modules of different heights to a profile rail, with a receiving angle element (110) formed by a first and a second receiving leg (111, 112), wherein on the first receiving leg (111) there is a receptacle (115) for a mounting solar module is designed, with a fastening element (120) for fastening to a profile rail, and with an adjusting element (150), which fastens the receiving angle element (110) to the fastening element (120) and is designed to be height-adjustable, in a mounted state at an adjustable distance the receptacle (115) from the profile rail via the receptacle (115) to generate a contact pressure on the solar module to be mounted. Here, the second receiving leg (112) has a first sawtooth profile (113) on its side facing the first receiving leg (111), and the fastening element (120) has a second sawtooth profile (143) on its side facing the second receiving leg (112). , wherein the first sawtooth profile (113) and the second sawtooth profile (143) are designed such that in the assembled state, under the contact pressure of the adjusting element (150), a relative movement of the receiving angle element (110) and the fastening element (120) to one another in a height direction, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the profile rail, is blocked, and in an unassembled state a relative movement of the receiving angle element (110) and the fastening element (120) to one another in the height direction is possible.