Array Technologies has been granted a patent for a module mounting system that includes a spring clip and screwless clips to securely lock a photovoltaic (PV) module frame and a mounting rail together. The system applies force via deformation to ensure a tight connection, and includes a locking portion and a central loop for engagement. GlobalData’s report on Array Technologies gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Array Technologies, vehicle PV panel roofs was a key innovation area identified from patents. Array Technologies's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
The patent is granted for a module mounting system
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11689152B2) describes a module mounting system for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The system includes a mounting rail, one or more support structures, and a mounting clip. The mounting rail is designed to interface with the frame of a PV module and features a locking portion with a lock ramp along its bottom surface. The mounting clip has a PV module frame interfacing portion and a mounting rail interfacing portion. The clip applies force through deformation to bring the mounting rail and PV module frame together, with the mounting rail interfacing portion engaging with the locking portion of the rail.
In one embodiment, the mounting rail is also shaped to interface with a second PV module frame. The PV module frame that the rail interfaces with includes a first flange that extends in one direction and interfaces with the top surface of the rail. The second PV module frame includes a second flange that extends in a different direction and interfaces with the top surface of the rail. The PV module frame interfacing portion of the mounting clip includes wings that slide over the respective flanges, ensuring a secure connection between the clip and the PV module frames.
The locking portion of the mounting rail includes a profile that allows the central loop of the mounting clip to slide over it in one direction while preventing sliding in the opposite direction. This ensures a stable and secure engagement between the rail and the clip.
Another embodiment of the module mounting system includes a mounting rail that interfaces with both a first and a second PV module frame. The rail has a locking portion, and the PV module frames have flanges that interface with the top surface of the rail. The mounting clip in this embodiment has a PV module frame interfacing portion with wings that slide over the flanges, as well as a mounting rail interfacing portion that engages with the locking portion of the rail. The clip applies force through deformation to bring the rail and PV module frames together.
Overall, this patent describes a module mounting system that provides a secure and stable connection between PV module frames and a mounting rail. The system allows for easy installation and ensures the modules remain securely in place, even in challenging environmental conditions.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
