Device for attaching a solar panel to a frame, attachment assembly and associated manufacturing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel fixing systems to roofs are complex, time-consuming, prone to errors, and have reliability issues due to the need for precise positioning and screwing, leading to potential detachment under wind forces and corrosion over time.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a profile forming first and second jaws that deform to wedge a flexible connecting strip, securing the solar panel directly to the roof frame without invasive fastening, using a heat-sealable strip for mechanical strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and bolt systems are used to secure the support element to the connection strip, then the solar panel can be fixed to the roof, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise positioning of multiple perforations and components
Solution Approach 1:
The support element and connection strip are merged into a single integrated component where the connection strip is directly formed as part of the support element structure. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple components and their corresponding perforations, significantly simplifying the device while maintaining fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex screw and bolt fastening system is extracted and replaced by a simplified direct connection mechanism. The connection strip is designed to be directly secured to the roof structure without requiring intermediate fastening components, removing the complexity of multiple perforations and assembly steps.
2Reliability
If multiple perforations and screwing operations are performed to assemble the fixing system, then the solar panel can be securely attached, but the production time increases significantly reducing manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strip is pre-formed as an integral part of the support element during manufacturing, with the connection geometry already established. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field assembly operations including perforation and screwing, dramatically improving productivity while ensuring consistent attachment security through factory-controlled precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional screw and bolt systems are used to secure the support element, then the solar panel can be fixed to the roof, but the system becomes prone to separation and detachment under strong wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support element and connection strip are combined into a monolithic structure that distributes wind loads across the entire integrated component rather than at discrete fastening points. This merging eliminates stress concentration at screw holes and prevents separation under strong wind forces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through single-piece fabrication.
4Ease of manufacture
If screws, bolts and washers are used to secure the solar panel fixing system, then the solar panel can be attached to the roof, but these metal components corrode over time compromising long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
All metal fastening components (screws, bolts, washers) are extracted from the system and replaced by a corrosion-resistant integrated connection strip that is either made of durable material or designed to be secured to the roof structure without metallic fasteners, eliminating the corrosion issue while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple direct attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
- Device for fixing a solar panel to a frame, fixing assembly and method of embodiment - The invention relates to a device for fixing (1) a solar panel to a roof-type frame, said fixing device (1) being intended, on the one hand, to be secured to said frame by a substantially flexible connecting strip (2), and on the other hand, to receive said panel, characterized in that it comprises at least one profile (6) forming a first jaw (13) and a second jaw (14), said profile (6) being designed to be deformed in the region of said jaws (13, 14) in order to wedge said connecting strip (2) between said jaws (13, 14). - Fixing a solar panel to a roof.