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.
Claims23
A deflection pad suitable for cushioning impact between a photovoltaic (PV) module and a support structure, the deflection pad comprising:
- a body comprised of an elastically compressible material, the body further comprising:
- a top surface configured to contact a surface of the PV module;
- a bottom surface configured to at least partially conform with and resiliently engage a surface of the support structure;
- and
- a recess sized to accommodate a fastener that is configured to secure the deflection pad to the support structure such that when deployed, the fastener is disposed below the top surface.
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 biased inward in a direction towards the recess and configured to engage the support structure.
A system comprising:
- a torsion beam;
- a rack to which a plurality of PV modules may be attached, the rack operably connected to the torsion beam;
- a first deflection pad comprised of an elastically compressible material and positioned on the rack so as to be disposed between a first given PV module of the plurality of PV modules and the rack;
- and
- a second deflection pad comprised of an elastically compressible material and positioned on the rack so as to be disposed between a second given PV module of the plurality of PV modules and the rack.
A system comprising:
- a torsion beam;
- a first rack to which a PV module may be attached, the first rack attached to the torsion beam;
- a second rack to which the PV module may be attached such that the first and the second rack together fixedly couple the PV module to the torsion beam, the second rack attached to the torsion beam;
- a deflection system coupled to the torsion beam between the first rack and the second rack such that the deflection system is positioned beneath the PV module when the PV module is attached to the first and the second racks, the deflection system comprising:
- a deflection pad;
- and
- a strap coupled to the deflection pad, the strap securing the deflection pad to the torsion beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.