Solar Module Mounting System with Spacer-Based Thermal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module mounting systems face challenges in providing robustness and flexibility while allowing for temperature-related length compensation, leading to potential distortion and overload due to heat-induced changes in length.
Innovation Solution
The mounting system incorporates a holding element with an edge section and a spacer that reduces the clamping force on the holding leg, enabling direct mechanical connection to the base rail for secure and flexible attachment, along with a retaining clip for improved electrical conductivity and grounding, and a design that allows for easy assembly and temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element clamps the holding leg securely between itself and the base rail, then the solar module carrier is firmly fixed to the base rail, but temperature-induced length changes cause warping, stressing, or overloading of the mounting arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element acts as an intermediary component between the holding leg and the base rail. It provides a clamping connection that secures the solar module carrier while accommodating thermal expansion through controlled play, preventing direct stress transmission that would cause warping or overloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed with specific geometric parameters (opening size, wall thickness, material properties) that allow it to maintain a clamping force sufficient for secure fixation while permitting limited movement to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the aluminum components.
2Strength
If the holding element provides strong clamping force to secure the solar module carrier, then the mounting arrangement is robust, but temperature-related length compensation is restricted, leading to distortion and overload
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its clamping force. The play or clearance in the connection allows the holding element to move slightly relative to the holding leg and base rail, enabling temperature compensation while maintaining sufficient clamping force for robust mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement is segmented into distinct components (base rail, holding element, holding leg, solar module carrier) with controlled interfaces. The holding element interface is designed with play to allow thermal expansion, while other connections maintain structural integrity, achieving both robustness and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the holding element is directly connected to the base rail with high clamping force, then the solar module carrier is securely attached, but the system lacks flexibility for thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element serves as a mediator that provides secure attachment through clamping while incorporating play or clearance that allows for thermal expansion and contraction. This intermediary design maintains reliable attachment without restricting the flexibility needed for thermal compensation during operation.
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
The system ensures a secure and flexible attachment of solar modules, allows for temperature-related length compensation, and provides improved electrical connectivity and grounding, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the solar module mounting system.
Implementation Method 1
temperature-induced length compensation is nevertheless possible, which prevents warping, stressing, or overloading of a mounting arrangement constructed from the mounting system despite heat-induced length changes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting assembly (1) and a mounting system (2) for planar solar modules (3), comprising: a base rail (4) that can be situated on a roof of a building; at least one L-shaped solar-module carrier (9) which has a retaining limb (10) associated with the base rail (4) and a carrying limb (11) oriented at least substantially perpendicularly thereto, wherein the carrying limb (11) comprises a support for at least one solar module (3) and the retaining limb (10) is designed to be supported, at least in regions, on the base rail (4); a retaining element (19) for fastening the retaining limb (10) on the base rail (4); and a sliding block (29) which can be moved in the base rail (4) and is or can be connected to the retaining element (19) by a screw connection (48) in order to fasten the retaining element (19) on the base rail (4). The retaining element (19) comprises, in the base portion (34), an edge portion (22) which can be placed on the retaining limb (10) and can be interlockingly connected to the retaining limb (10), and said retaining element comprises, spaced apart from the edge portion (22), at least one spacer (28) which projects from an underside (26) of the base portion and is intended to be supported on the base rail (4), which spacer at least reduces a clamping force that can be generated by the screw connection and acts on the retaining limb (10).