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US 2017/0074300 A1Published application
Self-Adjusting End Clamp
AssigneeSunrun South LLC
InventorGreg McPheeters
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.
Claims2
A self-adjusting end clamp, comprising:
- a top portion with a lip;
- a bottom portion with a lip and ridge;
- a bolt;
- wherein when the bolt is tightened the lips of the top portion and the bottom portion move towards each other.
1 more element
A self-adjusting end clamp, comprising:
- a top member, comprising:
- a main body portion comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, wherein the first side opposes the third side, and wherein the second side opposes the fourth side;
- and
- a lip extending from the main body portion, wherein the lip is coplanar with the first side and perpendicular to the second side, wherein the first and third sides each comprise a hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein the holes are vertically aligned;
- and
- a bottom member comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein:
- the first and second portions are perpendicular and integrally formed;
- the first portion is arranged parallel to the first and third sides of the main body portion of the top member and comprises:
- a threaded hole for receiving the bolt and;
- and
- a ridge extending across a width of the first portion, parallel to the lip;
- and
- the second portion abuts the fourth side of the main body portion of the top member.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.