Solar panel clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of photovoltaic arrays is labor-intensive and costly due to the traditional method of assembling clamping apparatuses on-site, which often results in lost or misplaced components and increased time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus with a bolt, clamp, and support structure that can be preassembled and easily secured to a rail, featuring a T-shaped bolt and compressible support structure to securely attach photovoltaic modules, reducing the need for on-site assembly and minimizing component loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clamping apparatus components (t-bolt, clamp, nut) are assembled on-site, then the installation can be completed, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping apparatus components (t-bolt, clamp, and nut) are pre-assembled into a integrated unit at the factory before shipment to the installation site. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple components, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving installation speed and productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If clamping apparatus components are assembled on-site, then the installation can be completed, but components may be lost or misplaced during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The t-bolt, clamp, and nut are merged into a single pre-assembled clamping apparatus unit. This merging eliminates the risk of components being lost or misplaced during on-site assembly, as all necessary parts are already integrated into one secure unit, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and component security.
3Reliability
If traditional t-bolt clamping apparatus is used, then photovoltaic modules can be secured to rails, but the installation process is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping apparatus is pre-assembled into an integrated unit before shipment, allowing installers to simply attach the complete unit to the rail and photovoltaic module without assembling multiple components on-site. This preliminary action maintains reliable module securement while dramatically improving installation efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping apparatus secures a photovoltaic module to a rail. The clamping apparatus includes a bolt extending between a first end and a second end of the bolt. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp defining a bolt opening into which the bolt is received and a support structure. The support structure positions the clamp at a first location on the bolt. The first location is a first distance from a top rail surface plane within which a top surface of the rail lies. The support structure is adjustable to position the clamp at a second location on the bolt. The second location is a second distance from the top rail surface plane. The first distance is different than the second distance. The support structure has a support structure thickness corresponding to a third distance that is less than the first distance and less than the second distance.