Solar module mounting system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module mounting systems are complex and costly, requiring specialized tools for installation and often lack flexibility in adjusting tilt angles and providing adequate grounding and bonding for electrical safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A solar module mounting system featuring tool-less attachment mechanisms with serrated surfaces and conductive materials for easy installation and removal, allowing for adjustable tilt angles and grounding, using support members and brackets to secure solar modules with a grounding path, and ballast rails for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mounting systems are used, then structural strength is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into modular components: support members with integrated attachment mechanisms, where each attachment mechanism is a self-contained unit comprising a clamp, serrated engagement surfaces, and mounting features. This segmentation allows complex functions to be distributed across simple, standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component: the clamp provides both mechanical fastening and electrical grounding through integrated conductive pathways. The support member combines structural support, attachment points, and grounding continuity in one element, reducing the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If specialized tools are required for installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation and installation speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-securing through a tool-less operation: the clamp engages with serrated surfaces that automatically lock into position when the clamp is closed, providing secure attachment without requiring specialized tools or complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and attachment mechanisms are pre-configured with aligned mounting features and pre-formed conductive pathways. The serrated engagement surfaces are pre-shaped to mate precisely, allowing rapid installation without on-site adjustment or specialized tooling.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed tilt angles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members incorporate adjustable tilt angle capabilities through movable connection points between support members and attachment mechanisms. This allows the solar module array to be dynamically reconfigured to different tilt angles while maintaining a standardized, easily manufacturable base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple tilt angles and configuration options through standardized attachment interfaces. The same support member can be used in various applications by simply adjusting the attachment point position, eliminating the need for application-specific custom parts.
4Reliability
If grounding paths are not integrated, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical safety and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component: the clamp provides both mechanical fastening and electrical grounding through integrated conductive pathways. The support member combines structural support, attachment points, and grounding continuity in one element, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive support members serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the solar modules and simultaneously establishing electrical grounding paths. This multi-functionality ensures electrical safety without requiring separate grounding components or complex grounding systems.
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 simplifies solar module installation, reduces costs, enhances safety and reliability through easy tool-less assembly, adjustable tilt angles, and provides a secure grounding path, while maintaining structural integrity to support multiple solar modules.
Implementation Method 1
The second clip surface can include a second serration pattern configured to engage with the first serration pattern of the seat surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mounting one or more framed solar modules are disclosed. A solar module mounting system can include a plurality of support members configured to support one or more framed solar modules above a mounting surface, such as the ground or the roof of a building. The support members can include rails formed from a rigid material, such as steel. The solar module mounting system can also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms each configured to secure a portion of a framed solar module to a portion of a respective one of the support members.