Adjustable Solar Panel Rack Support for Multi-Size Module Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel racks are difficult to use with solar panels of varying shapes and sizes due to their inflexible design, making them manufacturer-specific.
Innovation Solution
A customizable solar panel rack system with connectible rails, height-adjustable top support members, and adjustable pull clamps that accommodate different panel sizes and shapes, allowing for secure attachment and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-design solar panel rack is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate solar panels of varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustability in the rack structure by allowing the top support to be positioned at multiple heights along the rail, and the pull clamp to be positioned at multiple locations on the top support. This dynamic configuration enables the same rack structure to accommodate solar panels of varying shapes and sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design uses universal components such as the rail with multiple positioning holes, the adjustable top support that can accommodate different panel widths, and the movable pull clamp that adapts to different panel depths. These multi-functional components allow a single rack design to serve multiple panel configurations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customizable rack with adjustable components is used, then adaptability to different panels is improved, but assembly and disassembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into separable components (rail, top support, pull clamp, solar panel) that can be independently positioned and assembled. The segmentation allows each component to be adjusted to the required configuration before final assembly, making the customization process more manageable and easier to execute despite the multiple adjustment steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-drilled positioning holes in the rail and pre-positioned adjustment mechanisms on the top support and pull clamp. These preliminary preparations allow users to quickly select and secure the desired configuration without requiring complex measurements or calculations during assembly, thereby simplifying the operation despite the adjustable nature of the components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different panel sizes, then versatility is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into integrated components. For example, the top support integrates both height adjustment along the rail and width adjustment for the panel, while the pull clamp combines depth adjustment and securing functions. This merging reduces the total number of separate components and assembly steps compared to having independent adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable solar panel rack is configured with connectible rails, a bottom support member, and a height-adjustable top support member to accommodate and thereby operate with different shapes and sizes of solar panels. Typically, the various components of the solar panel rack may be comprised of a metal, such as galvanized steel, titanium etc., but other suitable materials may also be possible. The top and bottom support members have two legs extending from their bottom to engage and attach to corresponding arms on a rail. The top and bottom support members each have a pull clamp that secures the solar panel to the top and bottom supports. A pull clamp bolt or screw engages with a threaded bore on the bottom and top support members, which then engages with an access hole on the pull clamp to secure the pieces together.