Standing Seam PV Mounting Plate for Non-Penetrating Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing photovoltaic modules on standing seam metal panel building surfaces often require puncturing the surface, 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, grounding projections for electrical connection, and wiring clips for wire management, allowing for secure and efficient installation of photovoltaic modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounting methods are used to install photovoltaic modules on standing seam metal panels, then the modules can be secured to the building surface, but the surface is punctured causing leakage and corrosion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device uses a seam fastener that engages with the standing seam profile without puncturing the metal panels. The fastener is directed through the mounting device and into the slot to forcibly retain the standing seam, creating an intermediary connection that secures the photovoltaic module while preserving the integrity of the building surface.
2Reliability
If standing seam panels are used for building surfaces, then aesthetic and durability are improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device utilizes the existing standing seam structure itself as part of the mounting mechanism. The slot receives the standing seam and the seam fastener engages with it, allowing the building surface structure to serve its own mounting function without requiring additional punctures or expensive specialized hardware.
3Reliability
If mounting devices are secured to standing seams without penetration, then building surface integrity is maintained, but secure mounting of photovoltaic modules becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seam fastener features a convex, rounded, or blunt-nose end that interfaces with the standing seam. This curved geometry forces the standing seam toward or against the opposing sidewall of the slot, creating a mechanical interlock that provides secure mounting strength without penetrating the metal 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).