Apparatus for electrically bonding a solar array
AssigneeIronRidge, Inc.
InventorsShawn Meine, Jon Ash, Scott Ochenreider
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing solar panels to a rail support guide, while facilitating grounding by a common grounding wire. The apparatus is an electrically conductive lay-in-lug fastener, which facilitates multiple rows of solar panels to be electrically bonded to each other. The apparatus includes a lug member for securing the grounding wire. In doing so, the structure for securing the grounding wire is at an acute angle to the frame, enabling a wrench to be used even in space-challenged locations.
Claims8
An apparatus for facilitating the completion of an electrical circuit in a solar panel array having an electrically conductive rail support guide and using a common grounding wire, the apparatus comprising:
- a fastener having a frame, the frame having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a clamp assembly located at the distal end, the clamp assembly further comprising:
- a first member having an enlarged end, the enlarged end comprising at least one raise portion configured to penetrate a surface treatment layer of the rail support guide to contact the electrically conductive portion of the rail support guide for creating a grounding path for the solar panel array, wherein the enlarged end is insertable in a first orientation along a length of the rail support guide and rotatable to a second orientation when the enlarged end engages the rail support guide;
- a shank extending from the enlarged end, the shank further comprising a nut end on the opposite end of the enlarged end for securing the fastener to the rail support guide;
- and
- the frame further comprising an opening at the distal end for allowing passage of the shank;
- and
- the frame further comprising a lug member on the proximal end for securing the common grounding wire.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.