Spring Clip Mounting for Tool-Less Photovoltaic Module Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracking systems face challenges in securely mounting heavy photovoltaic (PV) modules while allowing for sun tracking, as existing mounting approaches require complex tooling and may not effectively withstand environmental forces like wind and snow.
Innovation Solution
A module mounting system utilizing spring clips that apply a locking force to the PV module frame and mounting rail through deformation, eliminating the need for tools and ensuring secure attachment even under environmental stressors, with optional screwless clips providing additional structural integrity and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mounting approaches are used to securely attach heavy PV modules, then the mounting strength is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requiring complex tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip changes the mounting mechanism from rigid mechanical fastening to elastic deformation-based clamping. By utilizing the spring's elastic properties, the system achieves secure attachment through controlled deformation rather than complex mechanical assemblies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining mounting strength
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools. The elastic deformation of the spring clip allows it to self-adjust and self-lock onto the PV module frame and mounting rail, eliminating the need for complex tooling and reducing installation complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid mounting approaches are used, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to withstand environmental forces like wind and snow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip introduces dynamic elasticity to the mounting system, allowing it to flex and absorb environmental forces such as wind and snow loads. This dynamic response capability enables the mounting system to maintain structural stability while reliably withstanding variable environmental conditions that rigid systems cannot accommodate
3Reliability
If tool-based mounting systems are used, then installation security is improved, but installation time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip's self-installing design allows workers to quickly attach PV modules by simply positioning and releasing the spring-loaded clip, eliminating time-consuming tool operations. The elastic mechanism provides immediate secure locking upon installation, ensuring installation security is maintained while dramatically improving installation speed and productivity
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
Enables tool-less installation and secure locking of PV modules to the mounting system, effectively withstanding environmental forces and ensuring reliable operation of solar tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip with a PV module frame interfacing portion and a mounting rail interfacing portion in which the spring clip is shaped to apply spring force via deformation of the spring clip to force the mounting rail and the PV module frame against each other
Implementation Method 2
apply spring force via deformation of the spring clip
Data Source
AI summary
A module mounting system may include a photovoltaic (PV) module frame including a mounting rail. The module mounting system may include a spring clip with a PV module frame interfacing element and a clip interfacing element. The spring clip may apply spring force via deformation to lock the PV module frame and a clip together. A second embodiment of the spring clip may include an upper component having one or more arms and a lower component having a central loop configured to rotate relative to each other and interface with the PV module frame or the mounting rail. A second embodiment of the module mounting system may include screwless clips including outer walls and inner walls coupled together as a continuous sheet of material. The screwless clips may couple to a respective mounting flange and a respective frame flange to lock the mounting purlin and the PV module frame together.