DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping panels. More specifically, the present invention discloses the clamping device capable of securely clamping/aligning two adjacent panels together in a same plane.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] New-age structures and factories incorporate Solar Panels at the top of their roof to minimize carbon footprints.
[0003] The solar roof panels are covered with thin plates that act as a protective layer for the solar panels, shielding them from various external and potential damage.
[0004] This includes protection against weather conditions such as rain, snow, and hail. These thin plates help to preserve the integrity of the solar cells and ensure their long-term functionality.
[0005] The covering plates further provide a visually pleasing and uniform appearance to the solar panels. These plates are designed to match the overall aesthetics of the building or structure where the solar panels are installed, making them blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
[0006] Further, these covering plates offer high resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact, ensuring the longevity of the solar panels even in challenging environments.
[0007] The use of thin plates as covers for solar panels offers multiple benefits, including protection, aesthetics, durability, and improved performance. These cover plates/panels play a vital role in maximizing lifespan, and safety of solar panel installations.
[0008] However, due to external factors such as wind, the cover plates do not remain at the same level as each other, which results in water ingress.
[0009] Further, one of the most common problems encountered during the transit or on-site installation of solar panels is a bending of the thin extruded profile of the cover plates, caused by wind load, leading to inconsistencies in the alignment and positioning of the cover plates.
[0010] Further, another problem associated with the cover plates is a formation of an inconsistent gap between cover Plates at a junction where two adjacent cover plates meet.
[0011] The said variation in the gap occurs due to the bending of the cover plates and the absence of a mechanism that keeps the edges of the two cover plates securely together. The inconsistent gap between the cover plates compromises the overall structural integrity of the solar panel assembly and hinders its performance.
[0012] Furthermore, the bending of the cover plates creates gaps, allowing water to penetrate an underlying structure. The accumulation of water in the said structure may lead to water logging and increased risk of overflowing which may pose a potential threat to an overall system, thereby affecting a functionality and longevity of the system.
[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable solution to prevent cover plate bending and ensure their proper installation, and addresses inconsistent gap formation, and water drainage issues.
[0014] Further, there is a need for a mechanism/solution which may keep the panels at the same level as each other.
[0015] In a nutshell, a device is required which may overcome the above-discussed drawbacks and provide an efficient and cost-effective way of preventing water ingress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In an aspect of the present invention, a solar InRoof Watch tower clamping mechanism is disclosed.
[0017] The “solar InRoof” herein refers to a roof integrated with a plurality of solar panels.
[0018] The “solar InRoof Watch tower clamping mechanism” herein refers to a clamping device that is capable of clamping/aligning two adjacent cover plates together. The said cover plates are covering the solar panels/module.
[0019] However, it should be understood that the above application of the clamping device should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device includes a retaining part that is adapted to be fitted against the said panels.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device includes a screwing mechanism attached to an upper section of the said retaining part.
[0022] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said screwing mechanism is adapted to secure the retaining part against the said panels, thereby enabling the clamping of the adjacent panels together in the same plane.
[0023] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said screwing mechanism includes a cylindrical hollow tube structure, and a screw that is capable of rotating and passing through the said hollow tube structure.
[0024] In the embodiment of the present invention, the screwing enables the hollow structure to move in an upward direction, thereby enabling the said retaining part to secure against the said panels for clamping the adjacent panels together.
[0025] More specifically, the said screwing breaks vertical parts that are attached to the said covering part and the said hollow tube structure, thereby allowing the said hollow tube structure to move in the upward direction for clamping the said adjacent panels together.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device further includes a covering part that is attached to an upper section of the said screwing mechanism.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the covering part includes two “P” shaped vertical structures and an arc shaped structure attached at top of the said.
[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said covering part is designed in such a way that the said part covers a portion of the said adjacent panels.
[0029] In various embodiments of the present invention, the above configuration allows the device to act as a sealing mechanism, thereby preventing water ingress.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device forms a monolithic body or a composite body.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of polymers or metals.
[0032] In one aspect of the present invention, a solar in-roof structure is capable of preventing water ingress.
[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solar in-roof structure (1000) herein refers to a roof integrated with a plurality of solar panels.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar in-roof structure includes a plurality of cover plates installed over the said solar panels to cover the said solar panels.
[0035] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solar in-roof structure includes the clamping device that is capable of being installed between the lateral edges of adjacent cover plates.
[0036] In the embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device is capable of clamping together the at least two adjacent cover plates together in the same plane.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar InRoof structure (1000) further includes a bridge clamp that is mechanically coupled below the said solar panels.
[0038] Further, the said solar InRoof structure includes a water draining structural member such as a Purlin structure that is coupled below the said bridge clamp.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device includes at least two curved structures that are water guiding structures (108) that are adapted to guide the water through the said water draining structural member.
[0040] This, together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity.
[0041] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a clamping device, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the clamping device of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate right and left side views of the clamping device of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the clamping device of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0047] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the clamping device of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0048] Fig. 6 illustrates a method for aligning at least two adjacent panels together in a same plane via the clamping device of Fig. 1;
[0049] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the clamping device of Fig.1 capable of being installed in a solar InRoof structure, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0050] Fig. 8 illustrates a front view of the solar InRoof structure installed with the clamping device of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0051] Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the solar InRoof structure of Fig. 8 according to various embodiments of the present invention; and
[0052] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the solar InRoof structure of Fig. 8, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] Like numerals denote like elements throughout the figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to as disclosed.
[0055] It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
[0056] Specifically, the following terms have the meanings indicated below.
[0057] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0058] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0059] The present invention relates to a Solar InRoof watch tower cover plates/panels clamping mechanism.
[0060] The “solar InRoof” herein refers to a roof integrated with a plurality of solar panels.
[0061] The “solar InRoof Watch tower clamping mechanism” herein refers to a clamping device that is capable of clamping two adjacent cover plates covering the solar panels/module.
[0062] The inventive aspects of the invention along with various components and engineering involved will now be explained with reference to Figs. 1-10 herein.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) is capable of clamping/aligning at least two adjacent panels in a same plane. (Refer Fig. 1)
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said adjacent panels are the cover plates/panels (150) covering the solar panels/modules (160) which are installed over a roof.
[0065] However, it should be understood that the above application of the clamping device (100) should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.
[0066] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) may directly clamp/align the two adjacent solar panels and/or cover plates (150) in the same plane.
[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device (100) includes a retaining part (101) that is adapted to be fitted against the said panels (refer Fig. 1).
[0068] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said retaining part (101) has a plurality of L-shaped structures (101). The plurality of “L” shaped structures (101) includes two “L” shape structures that face opposite to each other (refer Fig. 1)
[0069] More specifically, the “L” shaped structures act as fasteners that are adapted to secure the bottom and edges of the said panels, thereby clamping/aligning the said adjacent panels.
[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device (100) further includes a screwing mechanism that is attached to an upper section (A) of the said retaining part (101) (refer Fig. 2)
[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention, the said screwing mechanism is adapted to secure the retaining part (101) against the said panels, thereby enabling the clamping of the adjacent panels together.
[0072] In the embodiment of the present invention, the screwing mechanism includes a cylindrical hollow tube member/structure (102), and a screw (106) (threaded screw) (refer Figs. 9 & 10) that is capable of rotating and screwing through the said hollow tube structure (102) towards a downward direction (D).
[0073] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said screwing enables the hollow tube structure (102) to move in an upward direction (U), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to secure against the said panels for clamping the adjacent panels together.
[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device (100) includes two or more vertical parts (110) that are attached to the said covering part (103, 104) and the cylindrical hollow tube structure (102).
[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) includes a covering part (103, 104) that is attached to an upper section (B) of the said hollow tube structure (102) (refer to Fig. 2).
[0076] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said covering part (103, 104) includes two “P” shaped vertical structures (103) when viewed from a left side and a right side respectively (refer Figs. 3A & 3B).
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said “P” shaped vertical structures (103) act as tensioners (103) that are used to adjust the clamping force of the clamping device (100), which allows the clamping device (100) to be used with a wide range of adjacent plates/panels.
[0078] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tensioners are also adjustable, which allows the user to fine-tune the clamping force of the clamping device (100).
[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said covering part (103, 104) includes an arc-shaped structure (104) that is designed in such a way that the said structure (104) covers a portion of the said adjacent panels.
[0080] More specifically, the said arc-shaped structure (104) is adapted to cover the edges of the adjacent panels.
[0081] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said arc-shaped structure (104) includes a circular through hole (105) at a center for inserting the said screw (106) (refer to Figs. 4 & 5).
[0082] In various embodiments of the present invention, the said screw (106) is capable of rotating for screwing through the hole (105) towards the hollow tube structure (102),
[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said screwing breaks the said vertical parts (110), thereby allowing the said cylindrical hollow tube structure (102) to move in the upward direction (U), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to secure against the said panels for clamping the adjacent panels together.
[0084] In various embodiments of the present invention, the configuration as discussed in the above paragraphs, allows the said device (100) to act as a sealing mechanism, thereby preventing water ingress.
[0085] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device (100) forms a monolithic body or a composite body.
[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said clamping device (100) is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of polymers or metals.
[0087] In one aspect of the present invention, a solar InRoof structure (1000) that is capable of preventing water ingress is disclosed (refer Figs. 7-10).
[0088] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solar InRoof structure (1000) herein refers to a roof integrated with a plurality of solar panels.
[0089] In the embodiment of the present invention, the best mode for working the clamping device (100) is explained in the below paragraphs.
[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar InRoof structure (1000) includes a plurality of cover plates/panels (150) installed over the said solar panels (160) to cover the said solar panels (160) (refer Figs. 7-10).
[0091] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solar in-roof structure includes the clamping device (100) that is capable of being installed between lateral edges of at least two adjacent cover plates (150) of the plurality of the cover plates (150) (refer Figs. 7-10).
[0092] In the embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) is capable of clamping/aligning together the at least two adjacent cover plates (150) in a same plan (refer Figs. 8-10).
[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining part (101) of the said clamping device (100) is adapted to be fitted against the said solar panels (160).
[0094] Further, the screwing mechanism is adapted to secure the retaining part (101) against the said panels (160), thereby enabling the alignment of the said adjacent cover plates (150) together in the same plane.
[0095] In the embodiment of the present invention, the screw (106) that is retained in the said hollow tube member (102), is screwing through the hole (105) towards a downward direction (D).
[0096] Therefore, the said screwing enables the hollow member (102) to move in an upward direction (D), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to fit against the said solar panels (160), thereby enabling alignment of the at least two adjacent cover plates (150) together in the same plane.
[0097] Further, the covering part (103, 104) that has a hole (105), is designed in such a way that the said part (104) covers a portion of the said adjacent cover plates (150).
[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar InRoof structure (1000) further includes a bridge clamp (170) that is mechanically coupled below the said solar panels (160).
[0099] Further, the said solar InRoof structure (1000) includes a water draining structural member (180) such as a Purlin structure that is coupled below the said bridge clamp (170).
[00100] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) includes at least two curved structures (108) that are water guiding structures (108) that are adapted to guide the water through the said water draining structural member (180).
[00101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for aligning the at least two adjacent panels together in the same plane.
[00102] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said method (50) involves putting the said clamping device (100) between the lateral edges of the at least two adjacent panels.
[00103] Referring to Figs. 6 & 7, at step 12, the said method (50) involves putting the said clamping device (100) between the lateral edges of the at least two adjacent panels.
[00104] Further, at step 14, the said method (50) involves screwing the screw (106) through the hole (105) towards a downward direction (D), wherein the said screwing enabling the hollow member (102) to move in an upward direction (D), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to fit against the at least two adjacent panels, thereby enabling alignment of the at least two adjacent panels together (refer Fig. 6).
Advantageous effects of the present invention
[00105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device (100) of the present invention eliminates the issues of cover plate bending, inconsistent gap formation, and water drainage.
[00106] Further, the adaption of the clamping device (100) as in the present invention, eliminates all the gutter/water ingress locations where water may possibly escape through in the solar InRoof, thereby making no direct puncture point through which water makes contact, making the leak-proof Solar InRoof throughout its shelf life.
[00107] Furthermore, the clamping device (100) of the present invention utilizes the underlying structures (such as purlins) of the buildings for structural integrity and incorporates gutter profiles to create efficient water pathways.
[00108] Additionally, the clamping device (100) of the present invention provides a comprehensive solution for securing adjacent solar plates in the same plane, while offering additional functionalities such as vandal resistance, clamping for overhanging aluminum cover plates, and water drainage on the solar panels.
[00109] In a nutshell, the solar InRoof that is incorporated with the clamping mechanism, of the present invention, overcomes above discussed drawbacks and provides a cost-effective solar roofing for the buildings/factories.
Industrial Application of the present invention
[00110] The clamping device of the present invention may be used in solar industries, mechanical industries, pharmaceutical industries, etc.
[00111] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
[00112] Further, the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[00113] It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:1. A clamping device (100) comprising:
a retaining part (101) having a plurality of “L” shaped structures;
a screwing mechanism comprising a hollow member (102) and a screw (106) adapted to be retained in the said hollow member (102), the said screwing mechanism attached to an upper section (A) of the said retaining part (101); and
a covering part (103, 104) having a hole (105), the said covering part (103, 104) is attached to an upper section (B) of the said screwing mechanism with the hole (105) receiving the said screw (106);
wherein the screw (106) is capable of rotating for screwing through the hole (105) towards a downward direction (D), the said screwing enabling the hollow member (102) to move in an upward direction (U), thereby allowing the said device (100) to act as the clamping device (100).
2. The clamping device (100) as claimed in claim 1 forms one of a monolithic body or a composite body, and wherein the said device (100) is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of polymers or metals.
3. The clamping device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of “L” shaped structure (101) comprises two “L” shaped structures face opposite to each other.
4. The clamping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering part (103, 104) comprises,
at least two “P” shaped vertical structures (103) when viewed from a left side and a right side respectively, and
an arc-shaped structure (104) attached at the top of the said P” shaped vertical structures (103), the said arc-shaped structure (104) having the circular through hole (105) at a center, for inserting the said screw (106), and
at least two curved shaped structures (108) attached to the said arc-shaped structure (104) and the at least two “P” shaped vertical structures (103).
5. The clamping device (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising two or more vertical parts (106) attached to the said covering part (103, 104) and the cylindrical hollow tube member (102).
6. The clamping device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 6 wherein the screw (106) is a threaded screw (106) that is capable of rotating and screwing through the said cylindrical hollow tube member (102), wherein the said screwing breaks the said vertical parts (106), thereby allowing the said cylindrical hollow tube member (102) to move in the upward direction (U).
7. A solar in-roof structure (1000), wherein the solar in-roof structure (1000) herein refers to a roof integrated with a plurality of solar panels (160), the structure comprising:
a plurality of cover plates (150) installed over the said solar panels (160) to cover the said solar panels (160);
a clamping device (100) installed between lateral edges of at least two adjacent cover plates (150) of the plurality of cover plates (150), wherein the clamping device (100) comprises,
a retaining part (101) having a plurality of “L” shaped structure that is adapted to be fitted against the said solar panels (160);
a screwing mechanism comprises a hollow member (102) and a screw (106) adapted to be retained in the said hollow member (102), the said screwing mechanism is attached to an upper section (A) of the said retaining part (101), the said screwing mechanism is adapted to secure the retaining part (101) against the adjacent panels (160), thereby enabling the alignment of the said adjacent cover plates (150) together in a same plane; and
a covering part (103, 104) having a hole (105), is attached to an upper section (B) of the said screwing mechanism, and the said covering part (103, 104) is designed in such a way that the said part (104) covers a portion of the said adjacent cover plates (150),
wherein the screw (106) is capable of rotating for screwing through the hole (105) towards a downward direction (D), the said screwing enabling the hollow member (102) to move in an upward direction (D), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to fit against the said solar panels (160), thereby enabling alignment of the at least two adjacent cover plates (150) together.
8. The solar InRoof structure (1000) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the covering part (103, 104) comprises,
two or more “P” shaped vertical structures (103) when viewed from a left side and a right side respectively, and
an arc-shaped structure (104) attached at the top of the said “P” shaped vertical structures (103), the said arc-shaped structure (104) having the circular through hole (105) at a center, for inserting the said screw (106).
9. The solar InRoof structure (1000) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clamping device (100) comprises two or more vertical parts (110) attached to the said covering part (103, 104) and the cylindrical hollow tube member (102).
10. A method (50) for aligning at least two adjacent panels together via a clamping device (100), the method (50) comprising:
putting the said clamping device (100) between the lateral edges of the at least two adjacent panels, the said clamping device (100) comprising,
a retaining part (101) having a plurality of “L” shaped structures;
a screwing mechanism comprising a hollow member (102) and a screw (106) adapted to be retained in the said hollow member (102), the said screwing mechanism attached to an upper section (A) of the said retaining part (101), and
a covering part (103, 104) having a hole (105), the said covering part (103, 104) is attached to an upper section (B) of the said screwing mechanism; and
screwing the screw (106) through the hole (105) towards a downward direction (D), wherein the said screwing enables the hollow member (102) to move in an upward direction (D), thereby enabling the said retaining part (101) to fit against the at least two adjacent panels, thereby enabling alignment of the at least two adjacent panels together.