Standing Seam PV Mounting Assembly With Alignment and Grounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing photovoltaic cell modules on standing seam metal panels often require puncturing the panels, leading to costly repairs, leakage, and corrosion issues, and lack efficient alignment and grounding solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a mounting device, a mounting plate, a clamping member, and a threaded clamp fastener that secures to the standing seam without penetrating it, featuring positional registrants for alignment and grounding projections for electrical connection, allowing for secure and efficient installation of photovoltaic modules on standing seam panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If puncturing methods are used to install photovoltaic modules on standing seam panels, then installation is simplified, but the building surface suffers damage leading to leakage and corrosion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device acts as an intermediary component that attaches to the standing seam panels without puncturing them. It uses a slot mechanism that receives the standing seam and a fastener that secures the seam to the mounting device, thereby mounting the photovoltaic module without direct puncture of the building surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mounting device with a slot for receiving the standing seam, a fastener for securing the seam, a mounting plate for supporting the module, and a clamping member for attaching the module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the building surface.
2Ease of operation
If standing seam panels are punctured for installation, then mounting is achieved, but costly repairs and corrosion issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device serves as a mediator that enables mounting functionality without direct contact with or damage to the building surface. It interfaces with the standing seam through a slot and fastener system, allowing the photovoltaic module to be mounted while the building surface remains intact and requires no repair.
3Device complexity
If a simple mounting device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and grounding capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated mounting device: the slot structure provides both mechanical attachment and alignment registration, the fastener provides both securing and grounding functions, and the mounting plate provides both support and electrical connection. This merging achieves precise alignment and grounding without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If non-puncturing mounting is used, then building surface integrity is maintained, but installation reliability must be ensured without mechanical penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the mounting device is pre-configured to receive the standing seam, and the fastener is designed to securely attach the seam to the mounting device before the photovoltaic module is installed. This preliminary action ensures that the mounting device is firmly attached to the building surface through the standing seam, providing reliable support without puncturing the panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly (70c) for installing solar cell or photovoltaic modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70c) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A mounting plate (110′) is disposed somewhere between the clamping member (142) and the mounting device (74). This mounting plate (110′) includes a raised structure or dome (174) on its upper surface (170) for positionally registering modules (58) thereto, a plurality of grounding projections (172) on this same upper surface (170), and a plurality of wiring tabs or clips (178) on its lower surface (176).