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US 10,951,162 B2Granted
Dual-position mount for power electronic devices
AssigneeEnphase Energy, Inc.
InventorRyan Linderman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.
Claims16
An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising a backsheet, comprising:
- a mounting bracket comprising (I) a base member that adheres to the surface of the backsheet of the PV module, and (II) a plurality of retention members that retain the power electronic device in (i) a retracted position where the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet of the PV module, and (ii) an extended position where the power electronic device is retained proximate to the backsheet of the PV module with a defined air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet that allows air flow between the power electronic device and the PV module for thermal management, wherein the retracted position and the extended position are dynamically interchangeable positions;
- and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of bi-stable latches disposed on the base member;
- and wherein each bi-stable latch of the plurality of bi-stable latches is adapted for insertion into a corresponding receptacle of the power electronic device and to engage with at least one corresponding bi-stable stop of the receptacle (i) in a first position for maintaining the power electronic device in the retracted position and (ii) in a second position for maintaining the power electronic device in the extended position;
- and wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a plurality of retaining latches, each retaining latch of the plurality of retaining latches disposed proximate to a corresponding bi-stable latch of the plurality of bi-stable latches;
- and wherein when the power electronic device is in the extended position, a hook of each retaining latch of the plurality of retaining latches engages with a corresponding retaining stop of the receptacle to lock the power electronic device in the extended position.
2 more elements
A power module assembly comprising:
- a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising a backsheet;
- a power electronic device;
- and
- a mounting bracket comprising (I) a base member that adheres to the surface of the backsheet of the PV module, and (II) a plurality of retention members that retain the power electronic device in (i) a retracted position where the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet of the PV module, and (ii) an extended position where the power electronic device is retained proximate to the backsheet of the PV module with a defined air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet that allows air flow between the power electronic device and the PV module for thermal management, wherein the retracted position and the extended position are dynamically interchangeable positions;
- and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of bi-stable latches disposed on the base member;
- and wherein each bi-stable latch of the plurality of bi-stable latches is adapted for insertion into a corresponding receptacle of the power electronic device and to engage with at least one corresponding bi-stable stop of the receptacle (i) in a first position for maintaining the power electronic device in the retracted position and (ii) in a second position for maintaining the power electronic device in the extended position;
- and wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a plurality of retaining latches, each retaining latch of the plurality of retaining latches disposed proximate to a corresponding bi-stable latch of the plurality of bi-stable latches;
- and wherein when the power electronic device is in the extended position, a hook of each retaining latch of the plurality of retaining latches engages with a corresponding retaining stop of the receptacle to lock the power electronic device in the extended position.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.