Pivoting Solar Panel Support Bar for Universal Frame Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel support devices require expensive manufacturing due to the need for specialized fastening elements and tools, and are not easily adaptable to different solar panel designs, making them costly and inefficient to set up.
Innovation Solution
A support device featuring a U-profile with pivotally mounted fastening elements that can securely fasten solar panels without requiring specific fastening elements for each panel design, allowing for rapid and universal setup on various solar panels, including those with reinforcing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support devices use specialized fastening elements for each solar panel design, then secure fastening is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device uses a universal support bar with standardized first and second fastening elements that can accommodate different solar panel designs. The pivotal support with U-profile and adjustable recesses provides multi-functional capability to secure various panel types without requiring design-specific fastening elements, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into modular components: a support bar with fixed fastening elements, a pivotal support with U-profile, and adjustable recesses. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable fastening capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional support devices require multiple specialized fastening elements, then adaptability to different panel designs improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single support bar design with standardized fastening elements serves multiple solar panel designs. The pivotal support with U-profile and adjustable recesses provides universal adaptability through geometric flexibility rather than multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal support can rotate between transport position and support position, and the recesses can be adjusted along the U-profile legs. This dynamic capability allows one device to adapt to different panel configurations without requiring multiple static specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Strength
If support structures are designed to accommodate heavy loads, then load-bearing capacity improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device combines metal materials with different properties: the support bar and fastening elements provide structural strength, while the U-profile with recesses provides geometric load distribution. This composite approach achieves high load-bearing capacity through material and structural synergy rather than using expensive heavy-duty materials throughout, reducing manufacturing cost.
4Productivity
If rapid setup is achieved through simple fastening mechanisms, then installation time reduces, but fastening security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second fastening elements are pre-positioned on the support bar, and the recesses are pre-formed in the U-profile. This preliminary preparation allows rapid assembly by simply engaging the pre-positioned components without complex alignment or multiple fastening steps, achieving both speed and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal support combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated component. The U-profile with recesses simultaneously provides structural support, load distribution, and secure engagement with solar panel struts, achieving rapid setup through consolidation rather than multiple separate fastening operations.
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and secure support of solar panels across different designs, accommodating heavy loads and ensuring easy setup with reduced manufacturing and installation expenses, while allowing for ventilation and wind protection.
Implementation Method 1
each leg has a pivot fastening section that extends over the U-profile's base section and that has a first opening. The opposite pivot fastening sections of a support lie against the side walls of the support bars. A fastening element, for example a rivet or something similar, is passed through the first opening, allowing the support to pivot about a pivot axis running through the first openings.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supporting at least one solar panel comprising a rectangular frame (R) that includes two opposite struts (1, 2). The disclosed device comprises at least two supporting elements (S1, S2), each of which has a support bar (5), on one side (O) of which at least one first fastening element (6) for securing one (1) of the struts is provided. At least one support (7) is pivotally mounted on the support bar (5) at a specific distance from the first fastening element (6). The free end of said at least one support (7) includes a second fastening element (13) for securing the other one strut (2) lying opposite the one strut (1).