Waterproof Connecting Structure for Solar Panel Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel installation methods on rooftops are prone to water infiltration, leading to oxidation and rust of grids, requiring labor-intensive and wasteful replacement of entire rows of panels for maintenance, and are inefficient due to the need to disassemble entire rows for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof connecting structure comprising transverse and tandem array connecting units with half components, conduit passages, and drainage features that allow individual solar panel replacement and efficient water discharge, preventing water infiltration and facilitating easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are embedded into gratings on grids for installation, then the construction is simple and convenient, but rainwater infiltrates into the building through gaps between solar panels and grids causing oxidation and rust
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting structure with waterproof sealing components is introduced as an intermediary element between the solar panel and the grating system. This connecting structure includes sealing members that fill and seal the gaps between adjacent solar panels and the grating, preventing rainwater infiltration while maintaining the simple embedded installation method.
2Reliability
If tiles are fixed by tightly superimposed coordinating portions to achieve rainproof effect, then waterproof performance is improved, but the entire row of connected tiles must be taken apart when one tile is damaged for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is designed with modular segmentation that allows individual solar panels to be independently accessed and replaced. The connecting components are separable and can be disconnected without affecting adjacent panels, enabling maintenance of single damaged panels rather than requiring disassembly of entire rows while maintaining waterproof coordination between panels.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connecting structures are used for solar panels, then structural stability is maintained, but labor-consuming and time-consuming maintenance is required with material waste
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure incorporates detachable and reusable connecting components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. This dynamic design allows maintenance personnel to efficiently remove damaged panels and install replacements without permanent fastening, significantly reducing maintenance time and labor requirements while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof connecting structure is used in coordination with a solar panel array in order to construct a vertical wall or a rooftop panel of a building. The waterproof connecting structure comprises two half components and a connecting component. The two half components are disposed between the two solar panels. The connecting component covers a joint between the two half components so that rainwater flowed into a conduit passage formed by each of the half components is guided out. Thereby, the rainwater is prevented from infiltrating into a building.