Fastening apparatus for fastening solar modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for solar modules on roofs are not easily attachable or detachable, often requiring multiple tools and moving parts, which complicates the installation and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device designed to attach to a roof using a single fastener, featuring a hook and footplate that can be quickly coupled without additional tools, with a pivoting mechanism allowing the hook to lock onto the footplate, enabling adjustable positioning and easy attachment/detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fastening devices use multiple locking elements and moving parts to ensure secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) into a single integrated hook structure that pivots as one unit. The first leg with locking formation and the second leg with suspension lug work together through a single pivoting motion about the pivot point, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts unnecessary moving parts and complex locking mechanisms from existing fastening devices. By using a simple pivot point instead of multiple articulated joints, and a single pivoting motion instead of sequential locking steps, the design achieves secure attachment with minimal components, directly reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If existing fastening devices require multiple tools and fastening means for attachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through its geometric features. The locking formation on the first leg automatically engages with the support strip's curved surface during pivoting, and the suspension lug on the second leg automatically positions itself on the receptacle's curved surface. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for multiple tools or complex alignment procedures, allowing secure fastening with a single fastening means.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is pre-configured with specific geometric features (locking formation, suspension lug, curved surfaces) that prepare it for automatic engagement with the base plate. The pivot point is pre-positioned to ensure proper rotation path, and the legs are pre-shaped to engage with the curved surfaces of the receptacle and support strip, enabling quick attachment without additional tools or steps.
3Reliability
If existing fastening devices use fixed positioning to ensure stability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic, adjustable-position design. The ability to pivot about the pivot point allows the hook to assume different angular positions while maintaining secure attachment. The curved surfaces of the receptacle and support strip provide continuous contact during pivoting, ensuring stability at any position within the pivoting range, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastening apparatus (1000) for fastening solar modules to a roof, wherein the fastening apparatus (1000) has: a hook (10), wherein the hook (10) has a fastening portion (12) which is designed to be fastened to a mounting rail (72), the hook (10) having at least one first limb (16) and at least one second limb (18), wherein the at least one first limb (16) has at least one latching formation (22) and at least one foot plate (46) which has at least one latching rail (48) for latching to the hook (10), wherein the at least one latching rail (48) has at least one latching formation (50), wherein the first limb (16) and the second limb (18) of the hook (10) can be coupled to the foot plate (46), wherein the latching formation (22) on the first limb (16) can be latched with the latching formation (50) on the latching rail (48).