Solar Module Skirt Clip Assembly for Concealing Rooftop Cabling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The visibility of mechanical components and cabling beneath rooftop solar module installations is a concern for many customers, as they detract from the aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A skirt assembly is attached to the solar module using a clip that secures to both the module frame and the skirt, featuring a clip body, base plate, and fastener to conceal underlying components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a skirt is added to conceal mechanical components and cabling, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a clip body for securing to the frame, a base plate for mounting the skirt, and a fastener for joining them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate serves as an intermediary element between the clip body and the skirt. It provides a stable mounting surface for the skirt while being easily attachable to the clip body, thus simplifying the connection between the structural component (clip) and the aesthetic component (skirt).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure attachment system is used to firmly attach the skirt, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a clip body for securing to the frame, a base plate for mounting the skirt, and a fastener for joining them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clip body is pre-formed with engagement features that fit into corresponding features on the frame and the base plate. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and secure attachment without requiring complex adjustment or alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250317095A1Solar Module Skirt Assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 UNIRAC INC
  • US20250317095A1 patent drawing
  • US20250317095A1 patent drawing
  • US20250317095A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A solar module skirt assembly includes a skirt that is attached to a frame of a solar module, and a clip to attach the skirt to the solar module. The clip includes a first portion to attach to a frame of the solar module and to the skirt, a second portion to hold a portion of the frame of the solar module and a portion of the skirt, and a fastener to affix the clip to the frame of the solar module and the portion of the skirt.