Solar Panel Clamp Assembly for Fast Single-Panel Removal
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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 flexible panel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 process is difficult and time-consuming, requiring removal of entire rows of panels to access individual panels
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a clamp assembly that attaches to individual panels, a rail system that provides structural support, and connection elements that link them. This segmentation allows individual panels to be accessed and removed independently without disrupting the entire array, directly resolving the contradiction by enabling quick maintenance access while maintaining secure panel fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable and removable features that transition the mounting system from a static, permanent installation to a dynamic, easily reconfigurable system. The clamp can be quickly released and reattached, allowing panels to be moved or accessed as needed, thereby reducing maintenance time while preserving secure mounting during operation.
2Area of stationary object
If solar panels are mounted on rooftops or exterior walls to conserve space, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility to individual panels for repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses independently adjustable clamp assemblies for each panel rather than rigidly connecting entire rows. This allows maintenance personnel to access and remove individual panels from rooftop or wall-mounted arrays without disturbing adjacent panels, significantly improving repair accessibility while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly includes adjustable features that allow modification of panel position, angle, and spacing parameters. This adjustability facilitates easier access to panels on difficult-to-reach surfaces like rooftops and walls, while still optimizing space utilization by allowing flexible arrangement configurations.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting system is used to firmly attach panels to surfaces, then panel stability is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the securing function into discrete clamp assemblies that attach to individual panels and connect to the rail structure. This modular approach maintains reliable, secure attachment while simplifying assembly through standardized, repeatable connection steps that reduce overall system complexity compared to integrated rigid mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves as an intermediary element between the clamp assemblies and the mounting surface. This mediator provides structural support and alignment while allowing the clamps to securely attach panels independently, simplifying the overall assembly process by decoupling the panel attachment function from the structural mounting function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a panel clamp securable to a variety of mounting mechanisms. The clamp includes first and second members, each having an edge extending beyond at least a portion of its side surface to form an overhang, and each includes a plurality of holes passing therethrough. When the overhang of the first member is fitted over a top surface of a panel and the overhang of the second member is fitted over a bottom surface of the panel, such that the plurality of holes in the first member is substantially aligned with the plurality of holes in the second member, mechanical fasteners can be inserted through the plurality of holes to secure the first and second members to the panel. An additional mechanical fastener is inserted through the clamp to secure the clamp to a mounting mechanism.