Spring-Loaded Clamping Component for Tool-Free Guide Rail Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel racking assemblies require cumbersome and time-consuming installation processes due to the need for multiple screws or bolts, and the machining of guide rails with complex cross-sections increases production difficulty and cost.
Innovation Solution
A clamping component with a first and second pressing block, a fastener assembly, and an elastic part that pre-tightens the blocks to clamp a guide rail between clamping slots, utilizing a spring for axial compression force, allowing easy and rapid installation without complex rail cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide rails are fixed using screws or bolts directly on L support feet, then the connection is secure, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping component is pre-assembled with the L support foot before site installation. The elastic part is pre-compressed between the first pressing block and first limiting portion, creating a ready-to-clamp mechanism that only requires insertion of the guide rail, eliminating on-site tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic part automatically provides clamping force to secure the guide rail between the pressing blocks and limiting portions without requiring external tightening tools or additional fastening operations during installation
2Reliability
If guide rails are mounted using bolt and fixture block structures, then the connection is reliable, but the mounting mode becomes complex and requires lateral cavities in the guide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The complex lateral cavity structure is extracted from the guide rail design. The clamping component uses top-down pressing blocks that clamp onto the top surface of the guide rail, eliminating the need for lateral cavities and simplifying the guide rail machining
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping component design allows the guide rail to maintain a simple universal cross-section without specialized lateral cavities, making the guide rail applicable to various mounting scenarios and reducing production difficulty
3Reliability
If traditional screw fixation methods are used, then the guide rail can be securely fixed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires tools for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic part automatically generates and maintains clamping force through its elastic deformation, securing the guide rail without requiring manual tightening operations or specialized tightening tools
Solution Approach 2:
The manual screw tightening mechanism is replaced with an elastic force-based clamping system. The elastic part's mechanical energy storage and release provides automatic clamping, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and tightening tools
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
Facilitates quick and labor-saving installation of guide rails, reduces production complexity and cost, and enhances universality across different types of guide rails, while minimizing weight and load on structures like roofs.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic part is arranged between the first pressing block and the first limiting portion to provide an axial compression force on the first pressing block, so that a guide rail is clamped between the first clamping slot and the second clamping slot
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a clamping component, it includes a first pressing block provided with a first perforation hole and a first clamping slot, a second pressing block provided with a second perforation hole and a second clamping slot, a fastener assembly and an elastic part. The clamping component may quickly clamp a guide rail and is suitable for different specifications of the guide rail, and the universality is high. The present application discloses a guide rail racking, including a fixing frame and the above clamping component mounted on the fixing frame. The guide rail racking is beneficial to rapid installation of the guide rail, time-saving and labor-saving. The present application discloses a solar panel racking assembly, including the above guide rail racking and a guide rail mounted on the guide rail racking. The solar panel racking assembly may be quickly assembled on site, and it is time-saving and labor-saving.