Support racking for solar panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel support systems are difficult to repair and maintain, as they do not allow easy access to the underlying roof surface, and often require complex procedures to pivot the panels between operating and maintenance positions.
Innovation Solution
A support rack system with elongate runners and a cross-member, featuring detachable and adjustable clamp assemblies that allow solar panels to be pivoted from an upright position to a sloping operating position, enabling easy maintenance and repair, with locking mechanisms to secure panels upright during installation or maintenance, and incorporating rubber pads for roof protection and wire caps for concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are mounted in a fixed sloping position for power generation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but maintenance and repair access to the underlying roof becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system enables the solar panel to be dynamically repositioned between a sloping operating position for power generation and an upright maintenance position for easy access to the roof. The pivot pin connection and clamp assemblies allow the panel to be tilted and locked at different angles, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements.
2Ease of repair
If solar panels are mounted upright for maintenance access, then ease of repair is improved, but power generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to switch between upright position for maintenance and sloping position for power generation. The detachable clamp assemblies and pivot pin connections enable easy repositioning of the panel without requiring disassembly of the entire mounting structure, making the transition between maintenance and operational modes straightforward.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed mounting system is used for solar panels, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different positions and maintenance requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system combines structural stability with positional adaptability through its design featuring rigid runners and cross-members that provide stable support, while the pivot pin connections and adjustable clamp assemblies enable the panel to be positioned at various angles and easily repositioned for maintenance or different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: stationary runners and cross-members that provide structural stability, and movable clamp assemblies with pivot pin connections that enable position adjustment. This segmentation allows the stable framework to remain fixed while the panel mounting mechanism provides adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If complex mounting mechanisms are used to enable panel pivoting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism is segmented into simple, independent components: pivot pin connections that allow rotation, and separate clamp assemblies that can be independently adjusted and locked. This segmentation avoids the need for complex integrated mechanisms while still enabling easy panel pivoting and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple dynamic elements like pivot pins and adjustable clamps rather than complex motorized or automated mechanisms. The clamp assemblies can be easily opened and closed to allow panel movement, and the pivot connections naturally guide the panel through its range of motion, providing ease of operation with minimal mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting rack for a solar panel with a framework mountable on a surface such as a roof, this framework including two elongate runners extending parallel to each other and a cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. Upper and lower clamp assemblies detachably and adjustably mount the solar panel on top of the framework so that the panel extends at an acute angle to the plane of the runners. There are two front clamp assemblies, each mountable on a respective runner and clamped to a front edge of the solar panel. A clevis pin connection pivotally connects the clamping mechanism to its respective runner. Two upper, rear clamp assemblies each have an adjustable J-clamp member and a back plate. After installation of the rack, the panel is pivotable from an operating position at an acute angle to the runners to a greater angle to facilitate maintenance or repair.