Spiral Disc Adjustment Mount for Precise PV Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly systems for photovoltaic structures, particularly open-air systems, face challenges such as complex and costly construction, uneven ground conditions, and tolerance issues, leading to difficulties in achieving precise alignment and self-locking, which increase construction costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment device featuring a spiral recess in a disc allows for continuous adjustment of the height or distance between components using a logarithmic spiral design, providing self-locking and positional displacement, enabling easy handling and assembly while compensating for system-related tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional assembly systems with multiple discrete components are used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but assembly complexity and construction costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly system complexityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete assembly components (support elements, adjustment mechanisms, and connection means) into a single integrated adjusting device. The disc with spiral recess and connecting means integrates what were previously separate components, simplifying the overall assembly system while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment, allows angular positioning, and ensures self-locking capability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the assembly system, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment and adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then assembly precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disc-shaped component with a spiral recess, utilizing curved geometric forms to achieve precise adjustment. The spiral geometry naturally provides continuous adjustment capability through rotational movement, achieving high assembly precision without complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting device incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the spiral recess that allows continuous positional change during assembly. The connecting means can be positioned at any point along the spiral path, enabling dynamic and precise alignment without requiring multiple discrete adjustment steps or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If self-locking mechanisms are added to prevent positional drift, then assembly stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidself-locking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting device achieves self-locking automatically through the geometric configuration of the spiral recess and connecting means. Once the connecting means is positioned at the desired location along the spiral, the geometry itself provides the locking action without requiring additional self-locking mechanisms, buttons, or complex locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spiral recess geometry inherently provides self-locking through its curved path. The connecting means, when engaged with the spiral at any position, is naturally locked by the geometric constraint of the spiral shape, eliminating the need for separate self-locking mechanisms while maintaining assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple discrete adjustment components are used, then adjustment precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex assembly procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the adjustment mechanism into a single disc component with spiral recess, the patent eliminates the need to assemble multiple discrete adjustment parts. The operator simply needs to position and secure the connecting means to the disc, significantly simplifying the assembly procedure while maintaining precise adjustment capability through the spiral geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cost-effective, precise, and easy assembly of photovoltaic systems by allowing infinite adjustment of component spacing and ensuring self-locking, thereby reducing construction costs and complexity while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the recess is formed as a helical recess in the disc and the opening is located within the center of the helical recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral geometry: Helix

Implementation Method 2

The guideway of the spiral-shaped recess defines a distance curve from a minimum distance A 1 to a maximum possible distance A 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2400239B1Adjustment device and mounting system
Publication Date: 2012.10.10 MONTAGEBAU KARL GOBEL
  • EP2400239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2400239B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2400239B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The device (1) has a plate-shaped disk comprising an opening for a connection unit (40) and a recess for another connection unit (50). The recess is formed as a spiral-shaped recess in the disk with an inner side edge and an outer side edge. The opening is arranged within a central point of the spiral-shaped recess, which is formed in a shape of a logarithmic coil. The spiral-shaped recess is formed as a spiral-shaped elongated hole (42) with elongated hole breadth in the disk. The hole comprises an inner elongated hole edge and an outer elongated hole edge. An independent claim is also included for a mounting system comprising two components with fastening openings.