US20160109054A1 - Panel support structure - Google Patents
Panel support structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160109054A1 US20160109054A1 US14/982,673 US201514982673A US2016109054A1 US 20160109054 A1 US20160109054 A1 US 20160109054A1 US 201514982673 A US201514982673 A US 201514982673A US 2016109054 A1 US2016109054 A1 US 2016109054A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- support structure
- channel
- base
- edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009432 framing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003351 stiffener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013598 vector Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/22—Undercarriages with or without wheels with approximately constant height, e.g. with constant length of column or of legs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
- F24S25/15—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using bent plates; using assemblies of plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
- F24S25/16—Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
- F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
- F24S25/636—Clamps; Clips clamping by screw-threaded elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/65—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/10—Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
- H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
- F24S2025/016—Filling or spacing means; Elastic means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a panel support structure and, more particularly, to a plurality of panel support structures for supporting solar modules.
- a photovoltaic array is a set of solar photovoltaic modules electrically connected and mounted on supporting structures.
- a photovoltaic module commonly called a “solar panel” is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells.
- the solar module can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications.
- a support device comprises: a first support structure having a first base and a first side, wherein the first side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the first side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the first base, wherein the top end comprises a channel formed in between a first portion formed by a first bend in a first direction, a second portion formed by a second bend in the first direction, and a third portion formed by a third bend in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction; and a second support structure having a second base and a second side, wherein the second side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the second side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the second base, wherein the top end forms a support flange.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention supporting exemplary panels
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a detail view of the channel of the present invention.
- FIG. 4C is a detail view of the support flange of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention joined together by row spacers
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamp of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of the row spacer of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention joined together by a row spacer
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of FIG. 11 with supplemental ballast pan in between the support structures.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the supplemental ballast pan.
- an embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of support structures that may be secured to a surface and may support panels, such as solar modules.
- the support structures may include a first side that forms a channel and a second side that forms a support flange. A first edge of a panel may be placed within the channel and a second opposing edge of the panel may be secured to the support flange.
- the present invention pertains generally to mounting energy-producing panels on surfaces.
- the new and useful low profile solid object mounting system of the present invention pertains to a system for securely, safely, yet quickly mounting objects, typically solar panels, onto horizontal or nearly horizontal surfaces by way of grasping two opposing edges of the object and providing a tray in which a ballast is placed in sufficient quantities to resist movement from environmental factors, such as wind.
- the present invention may include a support structure 10 .
- the support structure 10 may include a first side 22 , a second side 24 and a base 26 in between the first side 22 and second side 24 .
- the first side 22 may include a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the first side 22 may be connected to the base 26 .
- the top end of the first side 22 may form a channel 20 .
- the channel 20 may face away from the second side 24 .
- the channel 30 is formed in between a first portion, a second portion and a third portion.
- the first portion is formed by a first bend in a first direction
- the second portion is formed by a second bend in the first direction
- the third portion is formed by a third bend in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction.
- the second side 24 of the present invention may include a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the second side 24 may be connected to the base 26 . The top end of the second side 24 may form a support flange 16 .
- the support structure 10 of the present invention may be made of folded material to form a flat base 26 , and a protruding first side 22 and second side 24 .
- the support structure 10 may further include stiffeners to provide resistance to bending.
- the support flange 16 may be a flat bend or in certain embodiments may include a second channel.
- the support flange 16 of the second side 24 may be protruding towards the first side 22 .
- the first side, 22 , second side 24 , base 26 , support flange 16 and/or the channel 20 may have apertures for mounting and attachments.
- the sides 22 , 24 may be vertical relative to the base 26 , or set at an angle.
- the first side 22 may be shorter than the second side 24 .
- the sides 22 , 24 may be the same height or the second side 24 may be shorter than the first side 22 .
- the height of the sides 22 , 24 may be set so that the panels 12 may be suspended at a desired angle.
- the top ends of the sides 22 , 24 may also be adjusted to suspend the panel 12 at a desired angle.
- the present invention may include a plurality of support structures 10 , such as a first support structure 10 and a second support structure 10 .
- the first and second support structures 10 may be mounted to a surface so that the channel 20 of the first support structure 10 is facing the support flange 16 of the second support structure 10 .
- the first and second support structures 10 may be spaced apart by a row spacer 14 and/or a supplemental ballast pan 28 .
- the row spacer 14 may include a first end and a second end. The first end may be mounted to the channel 20 of the first support structure 10 and the second end may be mounted to the support flange 16 of the second support structure 10 . Therefore, an appropriate amount of space is between the first and second support structures 10 .
- the present invention may support panels 12 .
- the panels 12 of the present invention may be a low profile solid rectangular object, such as solar photovoltaic modules. However, the panel 12 is not limited to a solar photovoltaic module and may be any flat rigid structure with edges.
- the panel 12 may include a first edge and an opposing second edge. The first edge may be placed within the channel 20 and the second edge may be fastened to the support flange 16 .
- a clamp 18 may be used to secure the second edge to the support flange 16 . As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the clamp 18 may be formed at a right angle and may be used to secure the panels 12 to the support structures 10 .
- the fasteners used for the mounting of the panels 12 , the row spacers 14 , ballast pans 28 , and clamps 18 may be any fastener known in the art.
- the panels 12 , row spacers 14 , clamps 18 , ballast pans 28 , and support structures 10 may include apertures 30 .
- Bolts 32 or screws may be driven through the apertures and thereby securing the above mentioned components together.
- Another example may include threaded studs or captive nuts, which may be installed through the apertures 30 .
- the present invention may include two separate support structures 10 , as shown in 4 C and 4 B.
- the first support structure 10 may include a first base 26 and a first side 22 .
- the first side 22 may include a top end and a bottom end.
- the bottom end may be connected to the first base 26 and the top end may form the channel 20 .
- the second support structure 10 may have a second base 26 and a second side 22 with a top end and a bottom end.
- the bottom end may be connected to the second base 26 and the top end may form the support flange 16 .
- the required distance between structures 10 is maintained by spacer(s) 14 and/or a supplemental ballast pan 28 .
- Such embodiments may further include all of the components listed above.
- the present invention may include assembling a plurality of support structures 10 , row spacers 14 , clamps 18 and panels 12 in a pattern, such as a grid.
- a first support structure 10 may be mounted on a surface and spaced apart at an appropriate distance from a second support structure 10 .
- the row spacers 14 may be may be affixed laterally between the first and second support structures 10 providing longitudinal spacing between the support structures 10 .
- a first edge of the panel 12 may be inserted into the channel 20 of the first support structure 10 and a second edge of the panel 12 may be fastened to the support flange 16 of the second support structure 10 that is mounted across from the first support structure 10 .
- the clamps 18 may further secure the second edge of the panel 12 to the support flange 16 .
- three pairs of support structures 10 may support two panels 12 .
- lateral spacing is provided by using spacer 14 between each panel 12 .
- the column spacer is placed or fastened along a point or points on the support structures 10 located perpendicular to the open channel 20 or support flange 16 .
- ballast blocks may be placed in the open portions of the support structures 10 to provide resistance to wind generated forces.
- secondary framing may be installed and fastened to the support structures 10 to provide resistance to wind or seismic generated forces.
- At each end of each row to maintain parallel rows of support structures 10 and to prevent rotation of support structures 10 relative to panel(s) 12 , at least one additional spacer 14 and/or a supplemental ballast pan 28 may be installed.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A plurality of support structures that may be secured to a surface and may support panels, such as solar modules. The support structures may include a first side that forms a channel and a second side that forms a support flange. A first edge of a panel may be placed within the channel and a second opposing edge of the panel may be secured to the support flange.
Description
- The present invention relates to a panel support structure and, more particularly, to a plurality of panel support structures for supporting solar modules.
- A photovoltaic array is a set of solar photovoltaic modules electrically connected and mounted on supporting structures. A photovoltaic module, commonly called a “solar panel” is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells. The solar module can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Numerous technical problems exist in connection with mounting devices such as solar photovoltaic modules (“panels”) on surfaces that are, or may be, exposed to varying force vectors induced or caused by wind, snow, rain, and other elements of weather.
- As can be seen, there is a need for an improved panel support structure.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a support device comprises: a first support structure having a first base and a first side, wherein the first side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the first side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the first base, wherein the top end comprises a channel formed in between a first portion formed by a first bend in a first direction, a second portion formed by a second bend in the first direction, and a third portion formed by a third bend in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction; and a second support structure having a second base and a second side, wherein the second side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the second side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the second base, wherein the top end forms a support flange.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention supporting exemplary panels; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a detail view of the channel of the present invention; -
FIG. 4C is a detail view of the support flange of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention joined together by row spacers; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamp of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of the row spacer ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention joined together by a row spacer; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofFIG. 11 with supplemental ballast pan in between the support structures; and -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the supplemental ballast pan. - The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of support structures that may be secured to a surface and may support panels, such as solar modules. The support structures may include a first side that forms a channel and a second side that forms a support flange. A first edge of a panel may be placed within the channel and a second opposing edge of the panel may be secured to the support flange.
- The present invention pertains generally to mounting energy-producing panels on surfaces. The new and useful low profile solid object mounting system of the present invention pertains to a system for securely, safely, yet quickly mounting objects, typically solar panels, onto horizontal or nearly horizontal surfaces by way of grasping two opposing edges of the object and providing a tray in which a ballast is placed in sufficient quantities to resist movement from environmental factors, such as wind.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 13 , the present invention may include asupport structure 10. Thesupport structure 10 may include afirst side 22, asecond side 24 and abase 26 in between thefirst side 22 andsecond side 24. Thefirst side 22 may include a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of thefirst side 22 may be connected to thebase 26. The top end of thefirst side 22 may form achannel 20. Thechannel 20 may face away from thesecond side 24. Thechannel 30 is formed in between a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is formed by a first bend in a first direction, the second portion is formed by a second bend in the first direction, and the third portion is formed by a third bend in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction. Thesecond side 24 of the present invention may include a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of thesecond side 24 may be connected to thebase 26. The top end of thesecond side 24 may form asupport flange 16. - The
support structure 10 of the present invention may be made of folded material to form aflat base 26, and a protrudingfirst side 22 andsecond side 24. Thesupport structure 10 may further include stiffeners to provide resistance to bending. In certain embodiments, thesupport flange 16 may be a flat bend or in certain embodiments may include a second channel. Thesupport flange 16 of thesecond side 24 may be protruding towards thefirst side 22. The first side, 22,second side 24,base 26, supportflange 16 and/or thechannel 20 may have apertures for mounting and attachments. - The
sides base 26, or set at an angle. In certain embodiments, thefirst side 22 may be shorter than thesecond side 24. However, thesides second side 24 may be shorter than thefirst side 22. The height of thesides panels 12 may be suspended at a desired angle. The top ends of thesides panel 12 at a desired angle. - In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a plurality of
support structures 10, such as afirst support structure 10 and asecond support structure 10. The first andsecond support structures 10 may be mounted to a surface so that thechannel 20 of thefirst support structure 10 is facing thesupport flange 16 of thesecond support structure 10. The first andsecond support structures 10 may be spaced apart by arow spacer 14 and/or asupplemental ballast pan 28. Therow spacer 14 may include a first end and a second end. The first end may be mounted to thechannel 20 of thefirst support structure 10 and the second end may be mounted to thesupport flange 16 of thesecond support structure 10. Therefore, an appropriate amount of space is between the first andsecond support structures 10. - The present invention may support
panels 12. Thepanels 12 of the present invention may be a low profile solid rectangular object, such as solar photovoltaic modules. However, thepanel 12 is not limited to a solar photovoltaic module and may be any flat rigid structure with edges. Thepanel 12 may include a first edge and an opposing second edge. The first edge may be placed within thechannel 20 and the second edge may be fastened to thesupport flange 16. In certain embodiments, aclamp 18 may be used to secure the second edge to thesupport flange 16. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , theclamp 18 may be formed at a right angle and may be used to secure thepanels 12 to thesupport structures 10. - The fasteners used for the mounting of the
panels 12, therow spacers 14, ballast pans 28, and clamps 18 may be any fastener known in the art. For example, thepanels 12,row spacers 14, clamps 18, ballast pans 28, andsupport structures 10 may includeapertures 30.Bolts 32 or screws may be driven through the apertures and thereby securing the above mentioned components together. Another example may include threaded studs or captive nuts, which may be installed through theapertures 30. - In certain embodiments, the present invention may include two
separate support structures 10, as shown in 4C and 4B. In such embodiments, thefirst support structure 10 may include afirst base 26 and afirst side 22. Thefirst side 22 may include a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end may be connected to thefirst base 26 and the top end may form thechannel 20. Thesecond support structure 10 may have asecond base 26 and asecond side 22 with a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end may be connected to thesecond base 26 and the top end may form thesupport flange 16. The required distance betweenstructures 10 is maintained by spacer(s) 14 and/or asupplemental ballast pan 28. Such embodiments may further include all of the components listed above. - The present invention may include assembling a plurality of
support structures 10,row spacers 14, clamps 18 andpanels 12 in a pattern, such as a grid. Afirst support structure 10 may be mounted on a surface and spaced apart at an appropriate distance from asecond support structure 10. The row spacers 14 may be may be affixed laterally between the first andsecond support structures 10 providing longitudinal spacing between thesupport structures 10. A first edge of thepanel 12 may be inserted into thechannel 20 of thefirst support structure 10 and a second edge of thepanel 12 may be fastened to thesupport flange 16 of thesecond support structure 10 that is mounted across from thefirst support structure 10. Theclamps 18 may further secure the second edge of thepanel 12 to thesupport flange 16. As illustrated in the Figures, three pairs ofsupport structures 10 may support twopanels 12. - If a lateral pattern is used for the assembly, lateral spacing is provided by using
spacer 14 between eachpanel 12. The column spacer is placed or fastened along a point or points on thesupport structures 10 located perpendicular to theopen channel 20 orsupport flange 16. Typically, ballast blocks may be placed in the open portions of thesupport structures 10 to provide resistance to wind generated forces. Alternately, secondary framing may be installed and fastened to thesupport structures 10 to provide resistance to wind or seismic generated forces. At each end of each row, to maintain parallel rows ofsupport structures 10 and to prevent rotation ofsupport structures 10 relative to panel(s) 12, at least oneadditional spacer 14 and/or asupplemental ballast pan 28 may be installed. - It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (9)
1. A support device comprising:
a first support structure having a first base and a first side, wherein the first side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the first side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the first base, wherein the top end comprises a channel formed in between a first portion formed by a first bend in a first direction, a second portion formed by a second bend in the first direction, and a third portion formed by a third bend in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction; and
a second support structure having a second base and a second side, wherein the second side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the second side is connected to the base at the bottom end and extends vertically relative to the second base, wherein the top end forms a support flange.
2. The support device of claim 1 , wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are mounted on a surface, and wherein the channel is facing the second support structure.
3. The support device of claim 2 , further comprising a panel having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is within the channel and the second edge is mounted on the support flange.
4. The support device of claim 3 , further comprising a clamp securing the second edge to the support flange.
5. The support device of claim 2 , further comprising a row spacer having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is mounted to the channel and the second end is mounted to the support flange.
6. The support device of claim 1 , wherein the support flange forms a second channel.
7. The support device of claim 2 , further comprising a supplemental ballast pan oriented in between the first support structure and the second support structure.
8. The support device of claim 2 , wherein the support flange comprises a bend and that protrudes towards the first support structure.
9. The device of claim 3 , wherein the panel is a solar module.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/982,673 US20160109054A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2015-12-29 | Panel support structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/053,374 US9276518B2 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2013-10-14 | Panel support structure |
US14/982,673 US20160109054A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2015-12-29 | Panel support structure |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/053,374 Continuation US9276518B2 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2013-10-14 | Panel support structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160109054A1 true US20160109054A1 (en) | 2016-04-21 |
Family
ID=52808611
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/053,374 Active - Reinstated 2034-04-05 US9276518B2 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2013-10-14 | Panel support structure |
US14/486,612 Abandoned US20150101654A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2014-09-15 | Solar panel array |
US14/982,673 Abandoned US20160109054A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2015-12-29 | Panel support structure |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/053,374 Active - Reinstated 2034-04-05 US9276518B2 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2013-10-14 | Panel support structure |
US14/486,612 Abandoned US20150101654A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2014-09-15 | Solar panel array |
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US (3) | US9276518B2 (en) |
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US20160138833A1 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2016-05-19 | Pegasus Solar Inc. | Wear reduction system for rooftop mounts |
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US10686401B2 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2020-06-16 | Ironridge, Inc. | Apparatus for securing and covering a clamping device for solar panel modules |
FI20145908A (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-17 | Savo Solar Oy | Mounting support for at least one solar heat collector |
US9982917B2 (en) * | 2016-06-06 | 2018-05-29 | Solar Mounting Solutions, LLC | Solar racking system adapted for suspended ballasting |
FR3052851B1 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2021-10-29 | Solarsit France | SYSTEM FOR FIXING PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL FRAMES AND THEIR EARTHING, INSTALLATION AND CORRESPONDING METHOD |
US11545929B2 (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2023-01-03 | United States Department Of Energy | Solar panel racking system |
AU2021286969A1 (en) * | 2020-06-11 | 2023-01-19 | Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc. | Solar panel assembly |
FI20207113A1 (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2021-12-31 | SolarCleantec Oy | Solar collector, fastening member and method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150101654A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
US9276518B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
US20150102186A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |