Adjustable Solar Panel Mounting with Telescoping Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems require multiple visits and materials for installation, leading to inefficiencies and material waste due to the need for on-site measurement and assembly, as they lack adjustable components for faster and more efficient installation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mounting system featuring telescoping legs connected by a compound ball joint and angularly adjustable brackets, allowing for quicker assembly and reduced material waste by enabling faster installation with modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed mounting systems are used, then structural stability is ensured, but installation time increases and material waste occurs due to on-site measurement and cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs adjustable legs with telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted to different lengths, and adjustable brackets that can be positioned at various angles. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for on-site cutting and customization, allowing installers to quickly configure the system to match the building geometry, thereby reducing installation time and the need for multiple visits
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in leg length, bracket angle, and component positioning to adapt to different building configurations. By providing components that can be adjusted across a range of parameters rather than fixed at single values, the system enables fast adaptation to various installation scenarios without requiring additional visits or material cutting
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site measurement and cutting is performed, then custom fit is achieved, but material waste increases and additional installation visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable legs and brackets provide dynamic adaptability to achieve custom fits for different building geometries without requiring on-site cutting. The telescoping sections allow leg lengths to be adjusted to precise requirements, and the adjustable brackets can be positioned at various angles to match roof pitches and orientations, eliminating material waste while maintaining custom fit capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses universal adjustable components that can be configured for multiple building types and configurations. The same adjustable leg and bracket components can adapt to different roof pitches, orientations, and geometries, providing custom fit capability across diverse applications without requiring specialized cutting or additional material
3Reliability
If multiple installation visits are made, then proper assembly is ensured, but labor costs and time costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable components are designed to be pre-assembled into modular units with integrated adjustment mechanisms. The telescoping sections, ball joints, and adjustable brackets are configured in advance as complete assemblies that can be quickly deployed and fine-tuned on-site, ensuring proper assembly quality while reducing the need for multiple installation visits and associated labor costs
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for solar panels that is adjustable to allow for ease of installation. An adjustable leg or strut includes a telescoping portion that is connected to a base by a compound ball joint. At an upper end, an angularly adjustable bracket allows for connection to a rail for supporting the solar panel. In a typical installation, two series of adjustable legs are used to support two rails at differing heights to support a panel in a desired position. The adjustable nature of the components allows for a faster installation compared to known solar panel mounting systems.