Photovoltaic module deflection limiter
AssigneeArray Technologies, Inc.
InventorsBenjamin C. de Fresart, Nathan Schuknecht, Jon Sharp
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A deflection pad may include a body. The body may include a recess to accommodate a fastener configured to attach the deflection pad to a support structure. The base of the deflection pad may include a bottom surface configured to engage a surface of the support structure. The deflection pad may be included in a system that includes a torsion beam and one or more support racks to which multiple PV modules may be attached, where the support are racks attached to the torsion beam. One or more deflection pads may be positioned between the PV modules and the support rack so as to cushion impact.
Claims10
A deflection pad suitable for cushioning impact between a photovoltaic (PV) module and a support structure, the deflection pad comprising:
- a body including at least two peaks, the at least two peaks together defining a top surface configured to contact a surface of the PV module;
- a recess disposed between the two peaks, the recess sized to accommodate a fastener such that when deployed, the fastener is below the top surface;
- and
- arms projecting from the body in a direction generally opposite the two peaks, the arms extending below a bottom surface of the body such that they are configured to cover at least a portion of exterior lateral sides of the support structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.