Solar Panel Mounting Deflector Element for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems are often complex and costly, requiring significant materials and labor for installation, while also lacking in structural efficiency and wind resistance, which can lead to instability and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel mounting system utilizing tubular structural components that can be bent into desired shapes, incorporating aerodynamic ballast trays and ballast blocks to provide stability and reduce material usage, with attachment mechanisms that simplify installation and enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mounting systems use multiple discrete components and complex assembly structures, then structural strength can be maintained, but device complexity and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete mounting components into a single integrated L-shaped bracket structure that simultaneously provides support, positioning, and fastening functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate support members, positioning elements, and fastening mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural strength through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it supports the solar panel, positions it at the correct angle, provides mounting holes for fastening, and incorporates ballast tray integration. This universal design allows a single component to replace several specialized parts, reducing overall system complexity.
2Strength
If traditional mounting systems use extensive materials and complex structures, then structural strength is maintained, but material costs and installation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple structural functions into the L-shaped bracket, the design eliminates redundant material usage. The single integrated structure requires fewer total materials compared to assembling multiple discrete components, while still providing equivalent or superior structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped bracket is designed with strategic cutouts and openings that segment the structure where material is not needed, reducing overall material quantity while maintaining strength in critical areas. This selective material placement optimizes the strength-to-material-ratio.
3Device complexity
If mounting systems lack aerodynamic wind deflection features, then structural simplicity is maintained, but wind resistance and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates aerodynamic deflection features into the L-shaped bracket design that actively manage wind forces. These features convert the harmful wind load into beneficial downward pressure on the ballast tray, enhancing stability rather than merely resisting wind. The design transforms wind from a destabilizing force into a stabilizing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket includes curved or angled surfaces designed to deflect wind flow smoothly, reducing turbulent eddies and vortex formation. These aerodynamic contours allow wind to flow over and around the structure more efficiently, reducing pressure differentials and improving overall wind resistance.
4Strength
If traditional mounting systems require significant labor for installation, then structural integrity can be ensured, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped bracket is pre-configured with integrated mounting holes, ballast tray attachment points, and positioning features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for field assembly of multiple components, allowing installers to simply attach the complete bracket assembly to the solar panel, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple fastening and positioning functions into the single L-shaped bracket, the design reduces the number of installation steps. Instead of assembling multiple separate components on-site, the integrated bracket requires fewer attachment operations, thereby reducing installation time and labor costs.
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
The system reduces material costs and complexity while maintaining structural strength, improving wind resistance and stability, allowing for efficient and cost-effective installation and operation of solar panel arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector element configured to redirect wind flow over a solar panel module
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Systems and methods for mounting one or more solar panels are disclosed. A tubular component can be provided. The tubular component can include a first curved portion configured to rise to a first height above and extending along a length of the tubular component. The first curved portion can have a predetermined diameter, a predetermined thickness, and a predetermined bend radius selected to support a first solar panel module attached by a first end at a first attachment point positioned at the first height. The first curved portion can include an elongated leg configured to support a deflector element projecting outwardly at a predetermined angle to the mounting surface. The tubular component also can include a distal end having a second curved portion configured to rise to a second height above and extending along the length of the tubular component. The distal end can have a second attachment point at the second height. The second attachment point can be separated from the first attachment point by a predetermined distance and can be configured to support a second end of a second solar panel module at a predetermined tilt.