T-Bolt and Washer Assembly for Solar Panel Grounding and Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for clamping multiple objects together while providing a grounding path are either insufficient in electrical grounding capacity or overly complex in design and manufacturing, making them unsuitable for efficient and easy installation.
Innovation Solution
A fastener and washer assembly with raised portions that penetrate metallic surfaces, forming a secure grip and electrical contact between objects, allowing for easy assembly and grounding, particularly suitable for securing solar panel frames to mounting rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded bolt with an abrading surface is used to penetrate and ground a conductor, then electrical grounding capacity is improved, but the device cannot affix two or more objects together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding function and the clamping function into a single integrated assembly. The T-bolt with teeth provides both mechanical fastening (clamping the solar panel frame to the mounting rail) and electrical grounding (penetrating the metallic surfaces to create an electrical path), eliminating the need for separate grounding devices
Solution Approach 2:
The T-bolt assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical fastener to secure objects together, provides an electrical grounding path through its teeth that penetrate metallic surfaces, and enables both clamping and grounding operations with a single component, making it a universal solution for solar panel installation
2Reliability
If a metallic leaf spring with a tooth is used to penetrate and ground objects, then grounding path is provided, but the assembly becomes structurally weak and overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leaf spring's grounding tooth with a structural T-bolt into a single integrated component. The T-bolt head incorporates the tooth structure directly, eliminating the need for a separate leaf spring attachment while maintaining both structural integrity and grounding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential grounding function from the complex leaf spring assembly and integrates it directly into the T-bolt structure. By removing the separate leaf spring component and its associated hardware (nuts, washers, springs), the design achieves grounding capability with significantly reduced complexity
3Reliability
If multiple components (channel member, clamp, washer, nut, threaded bolt, spring, torsion spring) are used for clamping and grounding, then grounding and clamping functions are achieved, but the assembly becomes unnecessarily complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (T-bolt, washer with teeth, nut) into a simplified integrated assembly where the grounding and clamping functions are achieved through coordinated action of fewer parts. The T-bolt with integrated tooth and the washer with teeth work together as a streamlined system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly into three simple, easily manufactured components: a T-bolt with head and shank, a washer with opening and teeth, and a nut. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing, assembly, and installation while maintaining both grounding and clamping functionality
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
The assembly provides a reliable and efficient electrical grounding path between objects, ensuring secure clamping and easy installation, while being less complex and easier to manufacture compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener includes, in an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure herein, a shank and an enlarged end with one or more raised portions for penetrating a first object. The washer has an opening and one or more raised portions for penetrating at least one other object.
Implementation Method 2
A grounding path is then formed from the solar panel frame to the mounting rail via the washer and the t-bolt.
Data Source
AI summary
In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.