Twist-lock solar module clamp
AssigneePegasus Solar Inc.
InventorsErich Kai Stephan, Glenn Harris, Peter Wilke, Nicholas Wenzel, James Hsieh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A twist-lock clamp to attach a solar module to a rail system includes a spring between a top clamp and a t-nut, with features on the spring and top clamp to restrict rotation relative to each other. The t-nut includes features allowing rotation of about 90 degrees when the t-nut is inserted in a rail, but restrict rotation beyond about 90 degrees. The spring serves to hold the top clamp and t-nut apart while allowing the twist-lock clamp to resist sliding in the rail during installation.
Claims18
A twist-lock clamp for attaching a solar module to a rail, comprising:
- a threaded fastener that includes raised rings for electrical contact;
- a top clamp having:
- a first planar member;
- a first aperture in the first planar member, the first aperture to accept the threaded fastener in an assembled configuration;
- and
- a second planar member orthogonal to the first planar member and connected to the first planar member inset from a distal end of the first planar member;
- a spring having:
- a second aperture to accept the threaded fastener in the assembled configuration;
- and
- a first planar surface including an angled protrusion that is configured to engage with a second planar surface of the rail in a locked configuration;
- and
- a threaded t-nut to engage with the threaded fastener placing the spring in compression between the top clamp and the threaded t-nut in the assembled configuration.
A threaded t-nut comprising:
- a first planar member, the first planar member being generally rectangular and having a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension, where the first dimension is less than the second dimension, the first planar member having:
- a central threaded aperture;
- at least one offset raised contact point for electrical contact with a rail;
- and
- at least one offset aperture laterally placed from the central aperture;
- a second planar member, substantially orthogonal to the first planar member;
- and
- a third planar member, substantially orthogonal to the first planar member, extending from the first planar member in a same direction as the second planar member, the third planar member substantially parallel to the second planar member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.