Solar Panel Skirt Mounts for Concealed Supports and Wind Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panel installations are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible base structures and exposed to wind forces, which apply pressure to the underside of panels, necessitating a solution to mask the edges of solar panel modules.
Innovation Solution
A skirt mount apparatus is mounted to the solar module frame, using a combination of a main body with curved and lower arms, and a U-shaped member, clamped with a fastener to secure a skirt that covers the perimeter of the module, blocking wind and hiding the supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If base structures (posts, rails, clamps) are used to mount solar panels, then the solar panels can be securely installed, but the base structures remain visible and are aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from visible base structures and transfers it to the solar module frame itself through skirt mounts that clamp to the frame perimeter. This separates the aesthetic requirement (hiding support structures) from the mounting requirement (secure attachment), allowing the frame to serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt mount assembly acts as an intermediary component that attaches to the solar module frame and provides clamping surfaces for securing the module to the mounting structure. This intermediary eliminates the need for visible posts, rails, and clamps by distributing attachment points along the frame perimeter.
2Reliability
If base structures are exposed to wind, then wind forces are applied to the underside of panels, but the structures remain visible and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the exposed base structures (posts, rails, clamps) from the system and replaces them with skirt mounts that attach directly to the solar module frame. This extraction eliminates the aesthetic problem while maintaining wind resistance through distributed clamping attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt mount distributes attachment points along the perimeter of the solar module frame, transitioning from concentrated base structure support to distributed peripheral support. This dimensional redistribution along the frame edge provides wind resistance while keeping support elements concealed.
3Ease of manufacture
If skirt mount assembly is clamped to solar module frame, then holes in frames are avoided, but secure attachment must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt mount assembly is segmented into multiple components (first structure, second structure, fastener) that work together to provide secure clamping attachment. The segmented design allows the mount to wrap around and clamp to the solar module frame without penetrating it, distributing attachment strength across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt mount provides localized clamping force at specific points around the solar module frame perimeter. The upper and lower flanges create localized compression zones that generate sufficient friction and mechanical interlocking to secure the attachment without requiring holes or penetrating fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method of mounting a solar panel module skirt to a solar panel module frame are disclosed. The system could include a number of solar panel modules, a number of skirt mount assemblies, and a solar panel module skirt. The apparatus could include a first structure, a second structure, and a fastener. The method could include receiving the apparatus, placing the apparatus into a tightening position, and tightening the fastener to mount the apparatus to the frame.