Solar Panel Clamp Assembly for Fast Row-Level Panel Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panel mounting systems are difficult to assemble and disassemble, requiring the removal of entire rows of panels to access a single panel for repair, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A panel clamp system comprising first and second members with overhanging edges and aligned holes, secured by mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and an adjustable mount with a surface anchoring plate and clamp anchoring plate for securing panels to various surfaces, including roofs and walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mounting systems are used to secure solar panels, then the panels are firmly fixed to the surface, but the assembly and disassembly processes are difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidtime required for assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a clamp assembly with first and second clamps, a mount assembly with mounting arms and mounting heads, and fastening mechanisms. Each component can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing individual panels to be accessed without removing entire rows, thereby reducing assembly time and improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If traditional mounting systems are used, then panels are securely mounted, but individual panels are difficult to access for repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of individual panelsVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system uses segmented clamp assemblies that can be independently removed from individual panels. The first and second clamps are separate from the mount assembly, allowing technicians to access and repair individual panels without disturbing adjacent panels or the entire mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates adjustable mounting arms and heads that can be repositioned and reconfigured. The fastening mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment and quick release, enabling easy access to individual panels while maintaining secure mounting when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If panels are firmly secured to the surface, then the mounting structure is stable, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of panel mountingVSAvoidcost and complexity of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is manufactured as separate modular components (clamps, mounting arms, mounting heads, fasteners) that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing compared to integrated mounting systems, while maintaining structural stability through proper component design and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9175704B2Panel clamping and mounting mechanism

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 SOLAR CLAM P

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for securing a panel to a surface. The system includes a first member having an overhang that fits overtop a panel and a mount that includes a recessed edge suitable for receiving the edge of the panel. When the panel is positioned in the recessed edge of the mount and the overhang of the first member is positioned overtop the panel, the first member and mount can be fastened together via a set of mechanical fasteners to secure the panel.