Support for at least one solar module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module elevations in south orientation are vulnerable to wind loads due to large openings between modules, requiring significant design measures for stability and are difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elongated wind deflector element made of a metal sheet with undercuts and a longitudinal bead, which is easily attachable to the elevation via holding receptacles, providing stability and ease of assembly by eliminating the need for screw elements and accommodating high wind loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a south-facing mounting system with support elements is used to install solar modules in an inclined position, then the solar modules can be installed at the desired inclination angle, but the large opening between modules makes the mounting system vulnerable to wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wind load into a beneficial clamping force. The wind deflector element is designed to be deflected by wind pressure, and this deflection activates the undercut mechanism that secures the element to the support structure. The harmful wind force becomes the very mechanism that locks the wind deflector in place, eliminating the need for additional fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector element serves as an intermediary component between the support structure and the wind load. It mediates the interaction by translating wind pressure into a securing mechanism through its deflection and engagement with the undercut, thereby protecting the mounting system from wind loads without requiring direct rigid bracing.
2Reliability
If wind deflector plates are attached to the post and beam structure with brackets made of blind rivets, then the mounting system becomes stable against wind loads, but the installation effort becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the wind deflector element itself and integrates it through the undercut mechanism. Instead of requiring separate blind rivets or fastening elements, the undercut is formed as an integral part of the support structure, allowing the wind deflector to be secured simply by being inserted and deflected by wind load.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector element performs its own fastening function through the undercut mechanism. When installed, it is held in place by the undercut geometry, and when subjected to wind load, the deflection further engages the undercut to secure it firmly. The system serves itself by using the operational load to enhance its own fixation.
3Reliability
If screw elements are used to attach the wind deflector element to the support structure, then secure attachment is achieved, but dimensional tolerances lead to considerable installation effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a precision-critical screw connection to a tolerance-friendly undercut engagement. The undercut geometry is designed to accommodate dimensional variations in the support structure, allowing the wind deflector element to be securely attached without requiring tight dimensional tolerances. The engagement depth and geometry can vary within a range while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A mounting (2) for at least one solar module (3), in particular a PV module, and a solar system (1) with this mounting (2) are shown.To achieve stability against wind loads, it is proposed that the support structure (2) has an elongated wind deflector element (10a, 10b) made of a metal sheet, having an upper and lower edge (14, 15), which is arranged from the lower support (8a) of the retaining element (5) to the higher support (8b) of the retaining element (5) and is attached to the rows (4a, 4b, 4c) by means of a bracket (11a, 11b, 11c) each, wherein each bracket (11a, 11b, 11c) has at least two facing retaining receptacles (12a, 12b) arranged one after the other at a distance (AL) in the longitudinal extent (L) of the respective row (4a, 4b, 4c) each with an undercut (13a, 13b) into which undercuts (13a, 13b) either the upper edge (14) or the lower edge (15) of the wind deflector element (10a, 10b) engage to hold the wind deflector element (10a, 10b) on the support (2).