Brace for solar module array
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A solar array comprising:
- a plurality of solar modules, each solar module having at least four sides and comprising a solar module frame extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the solar module;
at least a first brace member having a first support surface extending below at least a first solar module frame of a first solar module;
at least a second brace member having a second support surface extending over the first solar module frame;
a first connector connecting the first brace member to the second brace member such that the first solar module frame is captured between the first and second support surfaces;
an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of the first solar module, the adjustment mechanism comprising an outer sleeve and an inner rod disposed at least partially within the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve extending through an aperture in a bottom surface of the first brace member; and
a base configured to attach to a support structure, the adjustment mechanism mechanically coupled to the base.
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Abstract
A brace for connecting the frames of adjacent solar modules can include one or more lower lips and one or more upper lips configured to capture an outer edge of a solar module frame. The brace can include a removable top so as to facilitate connection and disconnection of the couplers and solar modules. Additionally, the brace can be configured to allow a solar module to be engaged and disengaged by hooking the frame onto the brace then tilting the frame relative to the brace. The brace can include features for achieving a snap fit with solar module frames.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A solar array comprising:
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a plurality of solar modules, each solar module having at least four sides and comprising a solar module frame extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the solar module; at least a first brace member having a first support surface extending below at least a first solar module frame of a first solar module; at least a second brace member having a second support surface extending over the first solar module frame; a first connector connecting the first brace member to the second brace member such that the first solar module frame is captured between the first and second support surfaces; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of the first solar module, the adjustment mechanism comprising an outer sleeve and an inner rod disposed at least partially within the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve extending through an aperture in a bottom surface of the first brace member; and a base configured to attach to a support structure, the adjustment mechanism mechanically coupled to the base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A solar array comprising:
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at least first, second, third, fourth and fifth solar modules, each solar module having at least four sides, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth solar modules are respectively disposed adjacent to the four sides of the fifth solar module; and means for removeably bracing the juxtaposed sides of the solar modules to each other so that the fifth solar module can be disconnected from the first, second, third, and fourth solar modules and lifted upwardly without the need to slide the fifth solar module laterally, wherein the removeably bracing means comprises means for swinging and snapping together the juxtaposed sides of the first solar module and the fifth solar module to removeably couple the first solar module and the fifth solar module. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A brace for connecting solar modules, comprising:
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a body member having first and second sides spaced from each other, a first lip extending outwardly from and along the first side of the body and configured to extend below a frame of a first solar module disposed adjacent to the first side and a second lip extending outwardly from and along a second side of the body and configured to extend below a frame of a second solar module disposed adjacent to the second side, wherein the first lip includes a retention ridge configured to receive a downwardly projecting ridge of the first solar module and to retain the downwardly projecting ridge by snap-fit engagement of the frame of the first solar module with the brace; at least a first top member configured to be connected to the body member and having a first engagement portion extending outwardly from and along a first side of the first top member, the first engagement portion configured to engage an upwardly extending ridge of the frame of the first solar module, and a second engagement portion extending outwardly from and along a second side of the first top member, the second engagement portion configured to engage an upwardly extending ridge of the frame of the second solar module disposed adjacent to the first solar module; and a connector configured to connect the first top member to the body member so as to press the frames of two adjacent solar modules disposed along the first and second sides of the body member between the lips of the body member and the engagement portions of the top member, wherein the first engagement portion includes a downwardly extending distal portion shaped so as to capture the upwardly extending ridge of the frame when the first solar module is tilted and while the first solar module is swung downwardly until the downwardly projecting ridge is captured by the retention ridge by snap-fit engagement with the upwardly extending ridge of the frame captured by the downwardly extending distal portion. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification