Telescoping Solar Module Rails for Flexible Rigid Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar module mounting systems face challenges in achieving seamless aesthetics while maintaining ease of installation, accommodating varying module frame heights, and ensuring structural rigidity, particularly with the Dual Strut Runner and Common Compressed Rail methods.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that interleaves or telescopes upper and lower rails with elevated shelves and high inertial mass, allowing for adjustable compression to accommodate a wide range of module heights and thicknesses, enabling seamless front-side mounting and eliminating the need for multiple rail sets or dummy frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Dual Strut Runner or Common Compressed Rail methods are used, then mounting flexibility is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested rails where an inner rail is positioned within an outer rail, creating a telescoping structure. This nesting arrangement allows the rails to compress together while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving mounting flexibility without sacrificing structural rigidity. The nested configuration enables adjustable compression to accommodate varying module heights while preserving the strength of the overall mounting system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable compression is implemented to accommodate varying module heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic compression mechanism where the inner rail can move relative to the outer rail along a compression axis. This dynamic arrangement allows the mounting system to adapt to varying module heights through simple linear motion and compression, rather than requiring complex adjustable mechanisms. The dynamic design maintains adaptability while minimizing system complexity through straightforward mechanical movement.
3Strength
If high inertial mass rails are used, then structural rigidity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested rail configuration allows the system to achieve high structural rigidity through the combined mass of multiple rail sections working together, rather than requiring a single heavy rail. The inner rail nested within the outer rail creates a composite structure with increased moment of inertia and rigidity, while the distributed mass reduces the weight burden on any single component and facilitates easier handling during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system is provided for solar modules with a compressable retention structure for solar modules. The retention structure may interleave a upper and lower rail that provides a shelf or other support structure in order to hold a solar module or panel in an operative position. The upper and lower rails may be compressed towards one another in order to cause the support structure to retain the solar modules or panels.