Integrated Wire Receiver for Solar Array Cable Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar array installation methods face challenges with securing power and communication wires, including high costs, increased installation time, and wire instability due to the use of separate clips or ties, which can fail and cause wires to become unsecured.

Innovation Solution

Integrated wire receivers are incorporated into the support structures of solar arrays, featuring slots and catches to securely hold wires in place, reducing the need for independent clips or ties and enhancing wire management during installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate clips or ties are used to secure wires, then wires can be held in place, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wire receiver is integrated into the support structure as a unified component, combining the functions of wire securing and structural support. This eliminates the need for separate clips or ties, reducing both material costs and installation time while maintaining wire security through the integrated receiver design with slots and catches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate clips or ties are used to secure wires, then wires can be held in place, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire receiver is designed with slots and catches that automatically secure wires through friction and mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If separate clips or ties are used to secure wires, then wires can be held in place, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire securityVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If wires are secured using clips or ties, then wires can be held in place, but wire stability decreases due to potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire installationVSAvoidwire stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire receiver is designed with slots and catches that provide built-in friction and mechanical interlocking, creating inherent resistance to wire movement and potential failure modes before they can occur during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11336221B2Wire receiver for securing wires of solar array

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 TRUTHSEEKER PATENT CO LLC

AI summary

A solar array includes a solar module and a support structure for the solar module. The support structure includes a support member. The solar module is mounted on the support structure such that the solar module is positioned at least partially above the support member. The solar array also includes a wire receiver for securing wires to the solar module or the support member. The wire receiver includes a wire insert slot sized for receiving wires, a wire transition slot connected to the wire insert slot, and a catch adapted to inhibit movement of the wires. The wire insert slot and the wire transition slot are sized and arranged for the wires to be inserted into the wire insert slot and positioned around the catch.