Solar Panel Clamp with Retainer Mechanism for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar panels is time-consuming and often results in damage due to the use of systems that are not specifically designed for handling solar panels, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during the unloading, transportation, and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous solar panel installation system that includes a series of solar panels, an installation vehicle, and a delivery vehicle, equipped with robotic arms and alignment devices, which work together to efficiently unload, transport, and install solar panels on a frame, using a cloud computing system for remote control and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional installation systems are used to handle solar panels, then the installation process can be completed, but the time-consuming nature and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for engagement, a bolt mechanism for securing, and a retainer portion for additional support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing installation time while maintaining panel integrity and minimizing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a self-retaining feature where the retainer portion automatically engages with the solar panel frame once the bolt is tightened. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual securing steps, accelerating installation while ensuring reliable damage prevention through consistent engagement.
2Reliability
If specialized solar panel handling systems are designed and used, then damage risk and installation time are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a multi-functional device that combines engagement, securing, and retention functions in a single component. The body engages with the solar panel frame, the bolt provides secure fastening, and the retainer portion prevents accidental disengagement. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate components, maintaining damage protection while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple protective and securing functions are merged into a single clamp assembly. The engagement area, bolt mechanism, and retainer portion work together as an integrated unit, providing comprehensive damage protection without requiring a complex system of separate components. This merging approach balances reliability improvement with controlled complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for coupling a solar panel to a frame includes a bolt extending along a longitudinal axis. The bolt has a head, an end, and a shaft extending between the head and the end. The clamp further includes a retainer portion extending at least partially between the head and the end along the shaft. The retainer portion is moveable between a first position with a first diameter and a second positioned with a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are greater than a diameter of the shaft. The clamp further includes a nut threadedly coupled to the bolt proximate the end of the bolt such that rotation of at least one of the bolt or the nut cause the nut to move longitudinally along the shaft.