Standing Seam Roof Clamp for Non-Penetrating Solar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a convenient and efficient clamp to quickly and securely attach solar panel grids to standing seam roof structures without piercing the metal sheathing, while accommodating various grid designs and ensuring high strength against wind lift and snow loads.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel clamp design featuring opposing clamp portions with projections and recesses that engage via a fastener, allowing for easy installation and deformation of the roof seam to secure the clamp, providing high strength and rigidity, and compatibility with different solar panel grid arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional roof mounting methods are used, then solar panels can be secured to the roof, but the metal sheathing must be pierced which causes damage and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple segments or portions that can independently engage with the standing seam roof structure. The clamp includes a first portion and a second portion that work together to secure the solar panel mounting structure without requiring penetration of the roof sheathing, thereby maintaining roof integrity while avoiding damage.
2Productivity
If quick and easy attachment is achieved, then installation time is reduced, but attachment strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with pre-configured engagement features including projections and recesses that are already positioned to mate with the standing seam structure. The clamp portions are pre-shaped to fit over the roof seams, allowing installers to quickly attach the clamp without complex alignment procedures, while the pre-positioned features ensure proper engagement strength is achieved.
3Ease of operation
If the clamp design is simplified for easy installation, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to various grid designs may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate multiple solar panel mounting grid configurations. The clamp portions include standardized projection and recess geometries that can interface with various grid designs while maintaining the same simple installation procedure. This multi-functional design allows a single clamp type to serve multiple purposes across different system configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for attaching solar panel grids to standing seam roof structures. The clamp includes opposing clamp halves having inter-engageable projections and recesses. One or more fasteners engage the halves to draw them together. A first set of recesses on one clamp half receives a first set of projections on the other half. A second set of recesses on the other clamp half receives a second set of projections. When loose, the first set of projections engage the first set of recesses like a detent, while the second set of projections are spaced apart from the second set of recesses to enable the clamp to be slid down onto the vertical seam of a standing seam roof. Tightening the fasteners causes the second set of projections to deform the seam into the second set of recesses, fixing the clamp to the seam.