Solar Module Frame Securing Structure for Thermal Expansion Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cell module securing structures face issues with thermal expansion, where frames can deform or damage due to temperature changes, and excess load on lower modules can cause securing members to deform or slip off supporting members, especially on tilted surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module securing structure that includes a frame with a shaft portion and a top portion, where a predetermined amount of space is maintained between frames engaged on both sides of the shaft portion, allowing for thermal expansion absorption and preventing direct contact, and using a securing member with a box-like base unit for increased rigidity and easy placement of frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If frames of adjacent solar cell modules are in direct contact with one another to simplify installation, then installation procedures are simplified and costs are lowered, but thermal expansion causes frames to press against each other leading to deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (expansion joint or spacer) between adjacent frames to prevent direct contact. This intermediary element absorbs thermal expansion forces while maintaining structural integrity, allowing frames to expand and contract independently without deforming or damaging each other, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified installation and frame reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements or gap spaces between frames in advance of thermal expansion occurring. These pre-designed gaps or elastic cushioning components provide buffer space that absorbs expansion forces before they can cause frame deformation, thereby maintaining both installation simplicity and frame integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If solar cell modules are secured onto a tilted roof or wall surface with frames in contact, then installation is simplified, but excess load from upper modules acts on lower modules through contact portions, causing securing members to deform or slip off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary load-distributing elements between adjacent modules on tilted surfaces. These intermediaries (such as load-distributing plates or spaced connectors) prevent direct load transmission from upper to lower modules through frame contact, thereby reducing excessive point loads on securing members while maintaining the simplified installation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates load-distributing structural features in advance during module design, such as pre-positioned load-distributing plates or engineered gap spaces between modules. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that loads are distributed across multiple securing members rather than concentrated on lower module securing members, preventing deformation or slippage while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Power
If securing members are positioned to directly support module weight, then structural efficiency is improved, but thermal expansion and load concentration cause deformation or slippage of securing members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function by introducing intermediate load-distributing elements between the module frames and securing members. This segmentation allows the securing members to maintain direct support for module weight (preserving supporting efficiency) while the intermediate elements distribute thermal expansion forces and reduce load concentration, thereby preventing deformation or slippage and improving securing member stability.
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
Prevents deformation and damage from thermal expansion, enhances supporting strength, reduces production and operating costs, and improves reliability and security by maintaining space between frames and securing members, allowing for efficient installation and load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
when the solar cell modules thermally expand due to a change in temperature or the like, the expanded solar cell modules press against one another
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a solar cell module securing structure capable of securing solar cell modules without any trouble even when there is a change in temperature or the like, and also provides frames and securing members for the solar cell modules.A contact portion (12e) of each of the first frames (12) of solar cell modules (10) engaged on the opposite side of a shaft portion (22) of each securing member (20) securing a solar cell module (10) to a supporting member (2) from securing units (21a) can be fastened to the shaft portion (22) with engaging screws (4) through a void (24b) from the side of the securing units (21a). The contact portion (12e) of each of the first frames (12) engaged on the side of the securing units (21a) are brought into contact with the outer end portion (24a) of each inner protrusion (24), to restrict impaction of the first frames (12). With this arrangement, a predetermined amount of space is formed between the contact portions (12e) and the shaft portions (22), and a predetermined amount of space is formed between the facing upper side faces (12a) of the first frames (12) engaged with both sides of each of the shaft portions (22).