Solar Panel Retention Assembly for Fast, Stress-Tolerant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar panels is time-consuming and resource-intensive due to the need for multiple installers to position and secure each panel, which can be stressful on the panels and requires significant preparation, especially when considering natural elements and ambient condition changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel mounting system that includes a base assembly, a contact member, and a bias member, which is operatively coupled to resiliently urge the contact member against the solar-panel assembly, allowing for easier and more secure mounting on support structures with reduced friction and stress absorption, enabling vertical flexibility and accommodating tolerance variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple installers manually position and secure each solar panel to racks, then the solar panels can be mounted in their final positions, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assemblies are pre-assembled with mounting elements attached to the solar panel frame before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the entire assembly to be installed as a unit rather than assembling components on-site, significantly reducing installation time and the number of installers required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated mounting assemblies that include the solar panel frame, mounting elements, and retention devices as a single pre-assembled unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for multiple separate installation steps and reduces the complexity of the installation process.
2Reliability
If solar panels are firmly secured to mounting points using rotation or other means, then the panels are securely mounted, but the installation process requires significant preparation time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device is extracted as a separate, specialized component from the overall mounting system. It features a contact member that engages with the solar panel frame and a bias member that provides resilient urging, separating the retention function from the mounting elements and simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias member provides resilient urging force that allows for parameter changes in the mounting system. This elasticity accommodates tolerance variations and physical stresses while maintaining secure mounting, reducing the need for precise adjustments and complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If mounting assemblies are used to secure solar panels to racks, then the panels are firmly mounted, but friction and physical stresses increase during installation and use
Solution Approach 1:
The bias member introduces elasticity and resilience to the mounting system, allowing it to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and other physical stresses. This resilient connection reduces stress concentrations on the solar panel frame while maintaining secure mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes physical stresses before they can damage the solar panel. The resilient urging provides a buffer against impact forces and continuous loading, protecting the panel structure during installation and throughout its service life.
4Productivity
If each solar panel is positioned to maximize solar exposure, then energy efficiency is optimized, but the installation process requires precise positioning and more time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assemblies are pre-assembled with predetermined positioning features that facilitate accurate placement. The retention devices are pre-configured to engage with specific locations on the solar panel frame, making it easier to position panels at the correct angles and orientations for maximum solar exposure without requiring complex on-site adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces the need for multiple installers, and provides resilience to absorb physical stresses and accommodate changes due to ambient conditions, ensuring secure and efficient solar panel positioning while minimizing installation time and resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member operatively coupled to the contact member and mounted to the base assembly for resiliently urging the contact member against a solar-panel assembly
Implementation Method 2
accommodating tolerance variations... absorb physical stresses and accommodate changes due to ambient conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel mounting system may include a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting to a support structure. The solar panel mounting assembly may include a restraining element, a retaining element and a biasing assembly that supports the restraining and retaining elements. The support structure may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface. The biasing assembly may further include a biasing element that resiliently urges the retaining element toward a securing element for supporting a solar panel that is positioned between the retaining element and the upper surface of the support structure, and resiliently urges the restraining element toward the lower surface of the support structure. A retention device may resiliently bias the solar panels of a solar panel assembly together on a support structure.