System and method for attaching panels
AssigneeSolaredge Technologies Ltd.
InventorMichael Raikh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses for locking PV panels to support structures, e.g., support beams. The support beams may be designed and built with corresponding connection elements, e.g., slots and tabs, which may be used to enable locking and unlocking of the PV panels on the support beams. Once in place, a ferromagnetic flap may be put into an engaged position, thereby closing and engaging a panel locking mechanism. The ferromagnetic flap may be lifted by using a magnet. The magnet may be may be embedded in a suction cup device which is designed to lift and maneuver an object with a relatively flat surface, e.g. a glass pane. The suction cup device may, when suction is applied, be attached to glass covering the PV panels, and thus the suction cup device may be used to move the PV panels.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a suction cup mechanism comprising:
- a handle;
- a magnet;
- a suction cup case attached to the handle;
- a suction cup held by the suction cup case;
- and
- a suction cup activation element comprising a first state and a second state,
- wherein in the first state the suction cup activation element is configured to cause the suction cup to form a vacuum with a flat surface opposing the suction cup, and wherein in the second state to release the vacuum;
- wherein the magnet is configured to activate a ferromagnetic lock distal to the flat surface when the suction cup activation element is in the first state.
A system comprising:
- a suction cup mechanism comprising:
- a handle,
- a magnet,
- a suction cup case attached to the handle,
- a suction cup held by the suction cup case, and
- a suction cup activation element comprising a first state and a second state,
- wherein in the first state the suction cup activation element is configured to cause the suction cup to form a vacuum with a flat surface opposing the suction cup, and
- wherein in the second state to release the vacuum, wherein the magnet is configured to activate a ferromagnetic lock distal to the flat surface when the suction cup activation element is in the first state;
- and
- the ferromagnetic lock comprising:
- a first portion with ferromagnetic properties;
- a second portion configured to engage with a latch when in an engaged position;
- a hinge that hingedly connects the first portion and the second portion;
- and
- a locking mechanism disposed on a first side of a photovoltaic panel to be locked in place, at least a portion of the photovoltaic panel being magnetically neutral,
- wherein the ferromagnetic lock comprises an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the ferromagnetic lock is in the engaged position, the first portion is in a first position that forces the hingedly connected second portion to engage with the latch, and
- when the ferromagnetic lock is in the disengaged position, the first portion is in a second position that forces the hingedly connected second portion to disengage from the latch, thereby locking the locking mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.