System for mounting solar panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners for attaching and bonding solar panels are non-standardized, leading to increased manufacturing and installation complexities, installer errors, and maintenance costs due to the need for precise torque application and multiple components, which are often lost or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded V-shaped clamp system that compresses to secure solar panels to a base assembly without requiring precise alignment or torque, using receiver slots and locking tabs to provide a secure and ergonomic installation method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) are used to attach solar panels, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated clamp assembly that includes the clamp body, spring mechanism, and barbed tab in one unit, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and washers. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining mechanical attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical clamping force through the spring-loaded mechanism, creates electrical bonding through the barbed tab, and ensures proper positioning through the receiver slot alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Strength
If conventional fasteners with multiple components are used, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but installation time increases due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp and barbed tab are pre-assembled into a single integrated fastener unit before installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for installers to manually assemble multiple components on-site, reducing installation time and the risk of errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages and secures the clamp when inserted into the receiver slot, without requiring manual tightening or additional fastening steps. The barbed tab self-locks into the supporting member, eliminating the need for separate tightening operations.
3Strength
If conventional fasteners are used, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but reliability decreases due to torque specification difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torque-dependent bolt-nut fastening system with a spring-loaded mechanical clamp system. The spring mechanism provides consistent clamping force through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for torque specifications and manual tightening control, thereby improving reliability and consistency.
4Strength
If conventional fasteners are used, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to manual alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver slot and barbed tab are designed with complementary geometries that guide automatic alignment during insertion. The slot's orientation and the tab's shape create a self-aligning mechanism that eliminates the need for manual positioning, making the operation easier and more consistent.
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
Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for multiple components and torque specifications, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for secure attachment in various orientations, enhancing load distribution and reducing installer errors.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp comprises a V-shaped clamp body that includes a pair of legs that are spring-loaded to oppose an approximation of the legs by an external compressive force
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly includes a panel support bracket, a base bracket and a clamp configured to exert a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The clamp comprises a V-shaped clamp body that includes a pair of legs that are spring-loaded to oppose an approximation of the legs by an external compressive force. The clamp includes a pair of receiver slots, with each of the pair of receiver slots located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The pair of receiver slots collectively provides a clearance to admit the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.