Solar Panel Mounting Assembly With Biasing Element for Fast Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems require substantial preparation time and resources for installation, often necessitating multiple installers and mechanized assistance due to the need for precise positioning and securing of panels to maximize solar exposure, while also being susceptible to stresses from natural elements and ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel mounting system that includes a support structure with a rod member, restraining element, and biasing element, such as spring washers, which allows for resilient movement and flexibility, reducing installation complexity and accommodating physical stresses and tolerance variations, while preventing rotation and ensuring secure panel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixed mounting systems are used to secure solar panels to racks, then the panels are firmly attached and stable, but the installation requires substantial preparation time, multiple installers, and mechanized assistance for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The rod member with threaded adjustment and biasing element allows the mounting assembly to adapt its position and orientation after initial placement, eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning and reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable parameters through the threaded rod mechanism and biasing element compression, allowing installers to fine-tune the panel position and mounting force after initial placement. This parameter adjustability reduces the need for precise initial positioning and multiple installers, significantly reducing preparation time and installation complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple mounting elements are used to secure each solar panel at spaced positions, then the panels are firmly attached to the rack, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires more installers
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the rod member provides structural support, the biasing element provides resilient force, and the restraining element provides positioning control. This merged design achieves secure attachment without requiring multiple separate mounting elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If solar panels are mounted in fixed positions to maximize solar exposure, then each panel receives optimal sunlight, but the system becomes susceptible to stresses from natural elements and ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic elements through the biasing element and adjustable rod mechanism, allowing the panel to maintain its optimized solar exposure position while accommodating thermal expansion, contraction, and other environmental stresses. The resilient biasing element absorbs stresses that would otherwise damage a purely rigid fixed mounting system.
4Reliability
If framed and unframed solar panels are mounted using traditional methods, then the panels are securely attached, but awkward installer positioning or mechanized assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates self-aligning features through the rod member geometry and restraining element design, allowing the assembly to automatically position itself correctly during installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for awkward installer positioning or mechanized assistance, making the installation process easier while maintaining secure attachment.
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 the installation process by reducing the need for multiple installers and mechanized assistance, enhances panel stability and resilience against environmental stresses, and allows for efficient on-site installation with minimal tools and skill, while maintaining optimal solar exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing element may be disposed during use on the rod member between the restraining element and the lower surface of the support structure and may be resiliently compressible along the central axis. The biasing element may resiliently urge the restraining element away from the lower surface of the support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel mounting system may include a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting to a support structure. The solar panel mounting assembly may include a restraining element, a retaining element and a biasing assembly that supports the restraining and retaining elements. The support structure may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface. The biasing assembly may further include a biasing element that resiliently urges the retaining element toward a securing element for supporting a solar panel that is positioned between the retaining element and the upper surface of the support structure, and resiliently urges the restraining element toward the lower surface of the support structure. A retention device may resiliently bias the solar panels of a solar panel assembly together on a support structure.