Twist-lock solar module clamp
AssigneePegasus Solar Inc.
InventorsErich Kai Stephan, Glenn Harris, Peter Wilke, Nicholas Wenzel, James Hsieh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims16
An apparatus comprising:
- a rail configured to support one or more solar energy panels, the rail including a substantially U-shaped channel with prongs protruding inwardly and down from upper distal ends of each wall of the channel, wherein a groove is formed along an underside of each prong;
- and
- a clamp nut that includes a substantially centrally located threaded aperture and one or more ridges, wherein the nut is configured to engage a bottom surface of the prongs rather than the groove when installed on the rail, and wherein the ridges electrically bond the rail to the nut.
A method of installing nuts into rails, the method comprising:
- inserting a nut at an angle through an opening of a channel of a rail that includes prongs protruding inwardly and down from upper distal ends of each wall of the channel and a groove formed on an underside of each prong;
- positioning the inserted nut to be substantially parallel to a top surface of the rail;
- engaging the nut to the prongs, wherein the nut engages a bottom surface of the prongs rather than the groove;
- and
- adjusting the nut into a position along a length of the rail.
A method of installing nuts into rails, the method comprising:
- inserting a nut that includes a threaded aperture through an opening of a channel of a rail that includes one or more prongs;
- rotating the nut around an axis of the threaded aperture so that a length of the nut extends underneath the prongs, and wherein the rotated nut engages a bottom surface of the prongs rather than the groove;
- and
- adjusting the nut into a position along a length of the rail.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.