Solar module holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar module holders are complex and difficult to assemble, requiring precise alignment and rotation of components to securely fasten solar modules to roofs, which can lead to misalignments and increased installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A solar module holder design featuring an anti-twist device to prevent rotation of the clamp holder relative to the intermediate element, combined with a sliding block connection and guide walls to ensure proper alignment and secure clamping, simplifying the installation process by maintaining the relative position of components during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a solar module holder is made up of several individual parts (sliding block, retaining plate, screw), then the holder can be adjusted and adapted to different positions, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming depending on the conditions on the roof

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of holder positionVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sliding block and retaining plate into a single integrated clamp holder component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts from multiple components (sliding block, retaining plate, screw) to a more integrated structure, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining the ability to adjust and adapt to different roof positions and module orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the clamp holder is not guided against rotation on the intermediate element, then the screw connection can be tightened freely, but the clamp holder rotates relative to the intermediate element causing misalignment between components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of screw tighteningVSAvoidalignment precision of clamp holder and intermediate element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-twist device pre-establishes the correct angular relationship between the clamp holder and intermediate element before the screw tightening process begins. By guiding the clamp holder against rotation through the anti-twist device, the alignment is predetermined and maintained throughout assembly, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and ensuring precise positioning from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment of the clamp holder and intermediate element is required, then the relative position can be precisely controlled, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position accuracy of componentsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-twist device enables the clamp holder to self-align with the intermediate element during the assembly process. The guiding mechanism automatically ensures the correct relative position without requiring manual alignment operations, allowing the components to find their proper orientation through the mechanical guidance provided by the anti-twist device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2662645B1Solar module holder
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 K2 SYST
  • EP2662645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2662645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2662645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The holder (4) has a base retention unit attached to mounting site of roof (5). A clamping surface of clamping support and a counter-clamping surface of base retention unit are configured to form the fixing clips. The intermediate element held on the base retention unit, is displaceable transverse to clamping direction of fixing clips. The clamping support is mechanically linked to intermediate element by screw connection. The clamping support is guided on the intermediate element by an anti-rotation plate with respect to the rotational axis of screw connection.