DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention generally relates to solar module supporting structures. More specifically, it relates to a mounting purlin structure and related supporting parts that reduce the number of purlins used to mount the solar modules, provides auto-spacing between the modules and facilitates mounting modules of different sizes.

BACKGROUND
[002] The continual rise in conventional energy costs has led to photovoltaic solar panels becoming cost competitive when compared to other types of energy generation. Among solar panel installations, large solar arrays require a sufficiently strong support structure to support not only the weight of the array, but also to provide sufficient resistance to wind forces. In many installations, the solar panels are mounted in a tilted or inclined configuration in order to maximize the effective capture of solar radiation, i.e. the solar panels are aligned with the solar angle of incidence and mounted on a frame structure that is further placed on a surface using a concrete foundation or similar material.
[003] One of the existing frame structures uses a mounting frame and a mounting beam bonded through a bonding material such as a fixing member. Other existing frame structures consist of just a vertically supported mast itself engaging the rear side of the corresponding panel support roughly in the middle, by supporting the same at only one location. Thus, there is insufficient support provided by such system. Other existing support frames are made of support elements, onto which the solar modules are fixed by means of some clamps that grip a peripheral part of the same. These frames are assembled by using multiple components like tie rods, L-brackets and clamps. These increase the time, money and effort spent in setting up the solar panels.
[004] The solar module arrays are essentially assembled, with the individual modules being lifted above by the operators and fastened onto the purlins/beams that support the modules. Multiple purlins are placed on crossbeams transversely and the solar modules are installed on the purlins. The purlins are formed by bending steel sheets to form into required cross sections. Currently, each solar module requires two purlins separately to mount on the crossbeams. Further, the operators have to lift each solar panel, place them onto the purlins and hold the modules in place till the clamping and nut fixing are completed by other operator, which is inconvenient and inefficient. Additionally, these systems are not ergonomically safe for workers, as clamping from the bottom poses further risks. Moreover, spacing between the adjacent solar modules is maintained during installation. Thus, a greater number of purlins and service men are required to mount solar modules which incur significant labor and material cost.
[005] Typically, solar panels are attached to a racking assembly by using a complicated multi-step process involving grounding conductors and clamps and/or bolts. The setup requires separate frame clamps for securing each solar module and includes cumbersome spanner fastening that involves additional fasteners to hold from the bottom during nut fitting, to avoid nut rotation. Further, existing clamping systems utilize middle clamps to clamp middle solar modules and end clamps to clamp solar modules at the end side. The existing clamping system therefore is inefficient, time-consuming and is labor and material expensive.
[006] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is a need for a solar module mounting structure assembly with an enhanced purlin cross section which requires a reduced number of purlins for mounting the solar modules. There is a need for a purlin structure that eliminates the need for an additional manpower to hold the modules during clamping. Further, there is a need for a solar module mounting structure assembly with an efficient clamping structure which reduces cost, time and resources to mount the solar modules. Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for an efficient solar module mounting structure assembly, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[007] The principle object of this invention is to provide a universal solar module mounting structure assembly comprising a bell-shaped purlin cross section that facilitates a reduced number of purlins required for mounting the solar modules.
[008] Another object of the invention is to design a purlin structure that allows mounting edges of adjacent solar modules on a common purlin structure.
[009] Another object of the invention is to provide a purlin structure that automatically provides a space between adjacent solar modules.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to produce a unique purlin profile section that facilitates mounting solar modules of different sizes.
[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a top-shared clamping system for solar modules which uses a single clamp to hold two solar modules.
[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal clamping mechanism that can be used either as a middle clamp or an end clamp, which eliminates use of different clamps to mount the solar modules.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal clamping mechanism with an extended bottom projection that maintains equilibrium while clamping an end solar module using only one mounting jaw.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to utilize an auto-loaded nut arrangement within the purlin structure that ensures automatic bolt engagement while fastening, which reduces the number of tools, required to complete the assembling to a single tool and also reduces the time required for the assembling.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to enable the solar modules to be automatically nested or auto-located, thus eliminating additional manpower needed to hold the modules during clamping.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a universal solar module mounting structure assembly which reduces the number of components and labor required to install the solar modules, which in turn drastically reduces installation costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0017] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0018] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] Fig. 1 depicts a universal solar module mounting assembly comprising a plurality of bell purlins, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0020] Fig. 2 depicts a cross section of the bell purlin, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0021] Fig. 3 depicts assembling solar modules through the plurality of bell purlins, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0022] Fig. 4 depicts an indication of automatic spacing provision between the plurality of bell purlins, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0023] Fig. 5 depicts a top-shared clamping system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0024] Fig. 6A depicts an isometric view of a universal clamp, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0025] Fig. 6B depicts a top view of the universal clamp, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0026] Fig. 6C depicts a bottom view of the universal clamp, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0027] Fig. 7 depicts the universal clamp used as a middle clamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] Fig. 8 depicts the universal clamp used as an end clamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0029] Fig. 9 depicts an impregnated catch nut arrangement within the purlin structure, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0030] Fig. 10 depicts a detailed impregnated catch nut, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0031] Fig. 11 depicts an isometric view of a nut catcher, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0032] Fig. 12 depicts a solar module cleaning system mounted on end purlins, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0033] Fig. 13 depicts a method of installing a universal solar module mounting assembly comprising bell purlins, in accordance with an embodiment.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0034] According to an aspect, the present invention discloses a universal solar module mounting structure assembly. The universal assembly comprises a plurality of cross beams, and a plurality of bell purlins mounted on the plurality of cross beams to support a plurality of solar modules. Each bell purlin has a bell-shaped cross section comprising a pair of bottom flanges. The bottom flanges are formed with a plurality of mounting grooves to mount the purlin body onto the crossbeams at regular intervals. Further, from the pair of bottom flanges, a pair of vertical legs extends upwards in an inclined direction. Additionally, the bell purlin comprises a pair of shoulders which extends inwards in lateral direction from the vertical legs to receive edges of the solar modules. A plurality of fixing grooves is further formed in an upper extended portion from the pair of shoulders to provide a top shared clamping to rigidly hold the adjacent solar modules.
[0035] According to an aspect, the present invention discloses a universal clamping mechanism having a universal clamp that comprises a pair of mounting jaws with their bottoms designed with anti-slip gripper pads, a center bolt cavity with a bolt head projection and an extended bottom projection at one end of the universal clamp bottom. The bottom projection ensures that the universal clamp is in equilibrium while using it as an end clamp.
[0036] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a catch nut arrangement that comprises a nut catcher which impregnates a nut into it. The impregnated catch nut is fitted into the fixing groove of the purlin from the bottom.
[0037] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method of installing a universal solar module mounting assembly of a bell purlin. The method comprises the steps of mounting bell purlins on cross beams at regular intervals by using a pair of bottom flanges of each bell purlin. The next step involves sliding the solar modules between the plurality of bell purlins through a continuous profile of each bell purlin, which includes a pair of shoulders and an upper extended portion. Further, the next step involves placing universal clamps upon fixing grooves which are formed on the upper extended portion of the bell purlins, to firmly hold the adjacent solar modules. Finally, screws are fixed into the fixing grooves of the bell purlins through the universal clamps to provide rigid clamping of the solar modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0039] The present invention discloses a universal solar module mounting assembly with a bell purlin structure that facilitates easy mounting of the solar modules between the bell purlins. Advantageously, the universal solar module mounting assembly reduces the number of purlins required for mounting solar modules, as compared with conventional purlin structures that require at least two purlins to mount a single solar module. The bell purlin cross-section provides an automatic gap between adjacent solar modules. Additionally, the purlin profile enables use of a top-shared clamping with a universal clamp that replaces the use of multiple different types of clamps to mount solar modules. Further, an auto-loaded catch nut arrangement ensures automatic bolt engagement while fastening the universal clamp.
[0040] Fig. 1 depicts a universal solar module mounting frame assembly 100 comprises a plurality of bell purlins 102 mounted at regular intervals on a plurality of crossbeams 104 to support a plurality of solar modules (not depicted in the figure).
[0041] The universal assembly 100 may be used to attach the solar modules at a desired angle and oriented to a particular direction to maximize exposure to direct sunlight. Thus, multiple rows of solar modules can be assembled and installed using posts and concrete requirements. The solar modules may be further electrically connected together in a panel-like configuration, and housed within a panel frame.
[0042] Fig. 2 depicts a cross section of the bell purlin 102. In an embodiment, each bell purlin 102 comprises a bell-shaped cross section. Further, the bell purlin 102 comprises a pair of bottom flanges 202 formed with a plurality of mounting grooves 202/1, 202/2. The mounting grooves 202/1 help to mount the bell purlin 102 onto the plurality of crossbeams 104 at regular intervals. From the pair of bottom flanges 202, a pair of vertical legs 204 is extended upwards in an inclined manner.
[0043] The bell purlin 102 further comprises a pair of shoulders 206/1, 206/2 which extend inwards in a lateral direction from the pair of vertical legs 204. The shoulders 206 aid to receive and support edges of the adjacent solar modules. The structure of the bell purlin 102 forms a continuous profile with the pair of shoulders 206 and the upper extended portion 208. This continuous profile allows a solar module to slide between the shoulders of two bell purlins 102. It allows to support adjacent solar modules on a single purlin body and further provides an automatic spacing between the adjacent solar modules in a longitudinal direction.
[0044] From the pair of shoulders 206, an upper extended portion 208 is formed in which a plurality of fixing grooves 210 is formed. The fixing grooves 210 aids in providing top shared camping to rigidly hold the adjacent solar modules. The bell-shaped cross section of the bell purlin 102 is formed up of metal material such as steel or galvanized steel using a roll forming process. The structure of the bell purlin 102 comprising the bell-shaped cross section further facilitates mounting of the solar modules with various sizes i.e., sizes from minimum 120 mm to 3000 mm.
[0045] In an embodiment, the bell purlin 102 is made from one or more of metal, and/or engineering plastic composites, among others. In a preferred embodiment, the bell purlin 102 is made from steel, and, in particular, galvanized steel may be used to manufacture the bell purlins 102. Metal sheet coils such as steel coils may be sourced from steel mills and cut or slit to required sizes. Thereafter, the slit metal may be fed through one or more rollers to press the slit metal into the desired bell purlin 102 profile. The process of manufacturing the bell purlins 102 is simpler and faster than conventional methods, and allows faster mass-manufacturing. In contrast, conventional systems use purlins made from extruded metals such as aluminium, wherein batches of molten material need to be pushed through a mould, in order to create an extruded aluminium purlin, which requires costlier, specialized set-ups and results in a slower manufacturing process.
[0046] Fig. 3 depicts assembling 300 solar modules through the plurality of bell purlins 102. In an embodiment, as depicted, the solar modules 304 may slide between two shoulders 206 of adjacent bell purlins 102, as indicated by arrows 306 in the figure. This eliminates an operator having to cart each solar module 304 individually to mount the solar modules 304. Thus, a single bell purlin 102 may firmly secure edges of two solar modules 304. Further, after sliding the solar modules 304 into the bell purlin 102, the solar modules 304 may be auto-located between the two bell purlin 102 shoulders. Advantageously, this allows easily clamping the solar modules 304 from their top side, instead of the conventional, cumbersome bottom-side clamping. Moreover, multiple operators would not need to securely hold the solar modules 304 during fastening and therefore resources and manpower can be reduced. Additionally, the mounting structure 100 with bell purlins 102 allows only 5 bell purlins to be used to secure the solar modules 304, instead of 8 bell purlins which would be needed by a conventional system.
[0047] Fig. 4 depicts an indication of automatic spacing 400 provisions between the plurality of bell purlins.
[0048] In an embodiment as depicted in the figure, four bell purlins 102/1, 102/2, 102/3 and 102/4 are arranged, on which solar modules 304/1, 304/2, 304/2 and 304/3 are mounted. Since the bell purlins 102/2 and 102/3 are attached to three solar modules 304/1, 304/2 and 304/3, an automatic gap may be achieved between each pair of modules 304/1 and 304/2, and 304/2 and 304/3, which is indicated by arrow 402. Thus, as the bell purlins 102 share the weight/fixture of solar modules 304, they require reduces material and number of fasteners, which in turn reduces the cost of resources. Advantageously, due to the reduced fasteners and resources, the clamping time required for fixing each solar module 304 is also reduced, which increases efficiency and productivity.
[0049] Fig. 5 depicts a top-shared clamping 500 used in conjunction with the bell purlin 102. In an embodiment, the top-shared clamping 500 comprises a universal clamp 502 placed on the upper extended portion 208, upon the fixing groove 210 of the bell purlin 102. The universal clamp 502 may be used to hold the adjacent solar modules 304/1 and 304/2. Further, a screw 504 may be fitted into the fixing groove 210 through the universal clamp 502. Additionally, a catch nut 506 is auto-located in the fixing groove 210 of the bell purlin 102 to allow the screw 504 to pass through it to easily fix the universal clamp 502 into position. Advantageously, the catch nut 506 arrangement provides swifter, secure clamping.
[0050] Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C depict an isometric view, a top view and a bottom view of the universal clamp 502.
[0051] In an embodiment, the universal clamp 502 comprises a center bolt cavity 602, a pair of mounting jaws 606 with their bottoms designed with anti-slip gripper pads 608, an extended bottom projection 610 at one end of the universal clamp 502 bottom and a cascaded design 612 at the bottom of the universal clamp 502.
[0052] In an embodiment, the bolt cavity 602 comprises a bolt head projection 604 which avoids shadow casting on the solar modules. The anti-slip gripper pads 608 of the mounting jaws 606 provide a sustained clamping in all environment conditions. Further, the extended bottom projection 610 comprise a 3-step cascaded clamp design 612 to ensure that the universal clamp 502 is always in equilibrium, even while clamping with only one mounting jaw used as an end clamp as well.
[0053] Fig. 7 depicts the universal clamp 502 used as a middle clamp assembly 700. In an embodiment, the universal clamp 502 is used as a middle clamp where the clamp mounting jaws 606 hold two adjacent solar modules 304/1 and 304/2. Further, a screw 504 is used for fastening the universal clamp 502 to the bell-shaped purlin 102.
[0054] Fig. 8 depicts the universal clamp 502 used as an end clamp assembly 800. In an embodiment, the universal clamp 502 is used as the end clamp where only one mounting jaw from the clamp mounting jaws 606 holds an end solar module 304/1. The extended bottom projection 610 maintains equilibrium while clamping with one mounting jaw, thus eliminating the need for using a separate end clamp.
[0055] Advantageously, as the universal clamp 502 may be variably used in both the middle clamp assembly 700 and the end clamp assembly 800, the universal clamp 502 replaces the requirement of multiple different clamps/clamping assembly components, without foregoing their advantages.
[0056] Fig. 9 depicts an impregnated catch nut arrangement 900 within the bell purlin 102. In an embodiment, the impregnated catch nut arrangement 900 comprises a catch nut 904 and a nut catcher 902 that impregnates the nut 904. Further, the impregnated catch nut 904 may be fitted into the fixing groove 210 of the bell purlin 102 from a bottom direction. The impregnated catch nut 904 in the bell purlin 102 provides automatic bolt engagement during fastening, as the nut arrangement 900 avoids the rotation of the nut 904 during fastening. Hence, as the catch nut arrangement 900 completely avoids the requirement of rotation while mounting the solar modules 304, the universal solar module mounting assembly 100 advantageously results in higher productivity and requires lesser manpower and components.
[0057] Fig. 10 depicts a detailed impregnated catch nut 1000. In an embodiment, a detailed view of the impregnated catch nut 1000 is depicted, where a square nut 904 is impregnated into a nut catcher 902.
[0058] Fig. 11 depicts an isometric view of a nut catcher 902. In an embodiment, a detailed view of the nut catcher 902 is indicated. In an embodiment, the nut 904 and nut catcher 902 may be made of one or more of a metal, plastic, and rubber, among others, depending on the application or location of the universal solar module mounting assembly 100.
[0059] Fig. 12 depicts a solar module cleaning system mounted on end bell purlins 102 of universal solar module mounting assembly 1200. In an embodiment, the universal solar module mounting structure assembly 1200 is mounted with a solar module cleaning system 1202. As depicted in the figure, bottom flanges 202 of the end bell purlins 102 on either side are accommodated with rollers 1204 of the solar module cleaning system 1202. Thus, advantageously, the proposed bell-shaped purlin structure 902 eliminates the need for mounting any additional railings to accommodate the solar module cleaning system 1202.
[0060] Fig. 13 depicts a method 1300 of installing a universal solar module mounting assembly of a bell-shaped purlin.
[0061] In an embodiment, the method 1300 begins with mounting a plurality of purlins on a solar panel frame structure. In particular, the bell purlins having a bell-shaped cross section are mounted on a plurality of cross beams at regular intervals, as depicted at step 1302. The purlins are mounted on the crossbeams through mounting grooves in a pair of bottom flanges of each purlin. Subsequently, the method 1300 discloses sliding solar modules onto the frame, between the bell purlins, through a continuous profile of each purlin having a pair of shoulders and an upper extended portion, as depicted at step 1304. Thereafter, the method 1300 discloses Attaching universal clamps onto fixing grooves to secure the solar modules attaching universal clamps onto fixing grooves to secure the solar modules onto the bell purlins, as depicted at step 1306. Finally, the method comprises fixing the universal clamp by impregnating catch nuts to provide rigid clamping, as depicted at step 1308.
[0062] The advantages of the current invention include a bell-shaped purlin cross section of the proposed bell purlin that results in a reduced number of purlins required for mounting the solar modules. As an example, only 5 bell purlins may be used, instead of 8 bell purlins. The bell purlin design allows mounting edges of the adjacent solar modules on a common bell purlin structure, and provides automatic spacing between the adjacent solar modules. The unique bell purlin profile section further facilitates the mounting of solar modules of different sizes, for example, covering sizes from 120mm to 3000mm.
[0063] An additional advantage is that a top-shared clamping system is utilized that uses a single universal clamp to hold two solar modules. Further, the universal clamp is utilized, which can be used either as a middle clamp or an end clamp. Hence, there is a 50% reduction in the number of different clamps that are required to fasten the solar modules.
[0064] A further additional advantage is that an auto-loaded catch nut arrangement is used within the bell purlin structure that ensures automatic bolt engagement during the fastening of the nut. This auto-loaded catch nut arrangement eliminates any additional manpower that may be required to hold the solar modules during clamping. Thus, the proposed bell purlin structure reduces the number of components and labor required to install the solar modules, which ultimately reduces the installation costs for the same.
[0065] Applications of the current invention include solar module mounting assemblies, especially for solar arrays and other large sized solar arrays which are used for powering solar satellites, updraft towers, large-scale renewable energy systems, industrial units and processes, etc.
[0066] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here. ,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A solar module mounting assembly (100), comprising:
a plurality of bell purlins (102) mounted on a plurality of crossbeams (104) to support at least one solar module (304);
a top shared clamping (500) comprising a universal clamp (502) to mount the solar modules (304); and
a catch nut arrangement (900) configured for automatic bolt engagement while fastening the universal clamp (502).
2. The solar module mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each bell purlin (102) comprises a bell shaped cross section comprising:
a pair of bottom flanges (202) formed with a plurality of mounting grooves (202/1), (202/2);
a mounting grooves (202/1), (202/2) that help to mount the bell purlin (102) onto the plurality of crossbeams (104) at regular intervals;
a pair of shoulders (206) which extends inwards in lateral direction from the vertical legs (204) to receive edges of the solar modules (304);
a pair of vertical legs (204) extends upwards in an inclined direction from the pair of bottom flanges (202); and
a plurality of fixing grooves (210) formed in an upper extended portion from the pair of shoulders (206) to provide a top shared clamping (500) to rigidly hold the adjacent solar modules (304).
3. The solar module mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the bell purlin (102) forms a continuous profile with the pair of shoulders (206) and the upper extended portion (208), and wherein the continuous profile is configured to:
enable a solar module (304) to slide between the shoulders of two bell purlins (102); and
support adjacent solar modules (304) on a single purlin body and provides an automatic spacing between the adjacent solar modules (304) in a longitudinal direction.
4. The solar module mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the structure of the bell purlin (102) facilitates mounting of solar modules (304) with sizes from 120 mm to 3000 mm.
5. The solar module mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism having a universal clamp (502) is configured to:
be placed on the upper extended portion (208), upon the fixing groove (210) of the bell purlin (102);
hold the adjacent solar modules (304/1) and (304/2);
fit a screw (504) into the fixing groove (210) through the universal clamp (502); and
fix the universal clamp (502) into position by using a catch nut (506) auto-located in the fixing groove (210) of the bell purlin (102) to enable the screw (504) to pass through it.
6. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shared clamping (500) comprises a universal clamp (502) comprising:
a pair of mounting jaws (606) with their bottoms designed with anti-slip gripper pads (608) that provide a sustained clamping in all environment conditions;
a center bolt cavity (602) with a bolt head projection (604) which avoids shadow casting on the solar modules (304); and
an extended bottom projection (610) comprise a 3-step cascaded clamp design (612) to ensure that the universal clamp (502) is always in equilibrium, even while clamping with only one mounting jaw used as an end clamp as well.

7. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the universal clamp (502) is used as a middle clamp where the clamp mounting jaws (606) hold two adjacent solar modules (304/1) and (304/2) and a screw (504) is used for fastening the universal clamp (502) to the bell-shaped purlin (102).
8. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the universal clamp (502) is used as an end clamp where only one mounting jaw from the clamp mounting jaws (606) holds an end solar module (304/1).
9. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catch nut arrangement comprises:
a nut catcher (902) that impregnates the catch nut (904) which is fitted into the fixing groove (210) of the purlin from the bottom direction.
10. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the catch nut (904) in the bell purlin (102) provides automatic bolt engagement during fastening, without rotation of the nut (904) during fastening.
11. The solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising a solar module cleaning system mounted on end bell purlins (102), wherein the bottom flanges (202) of the end bell purlins (102) on either side are accommodated with rollers (1204) of the solar module cleaning system (1202).
12. A method of assembling a solar module mounting assembly comprising a bell purlin, comprising:
mounting a plurality of bell purlins (102) on a plurality of crossbeams (104) to support at least one solar module (304);
sliding solar modules (304) onto the frame, between the bell purlins (102);
attaching at least one universal clamp (502) to securely clamp the solar modules (304); and
fastening the universal clamp (502) by using a catch nut arrangement (900).
13. The method of assembling a solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
placing the clamping mechanism on an upper extended portion (208), upon a fixing groove (210) of the bell purlin (102);
holding adjacent solar modules (304/1) and (304/2);
fitting a screw (504) into the fixing groove (210) through the universal clamp (502); and
fixing the universal clamp (502) into position by using a catch nut (506) auto-located in the fixing groove (210) of the bell purlin (102) to enable the screw (504) to pass through it.
14. The method of assembling the solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 12, comprising using the universal clamp (502) as a middle clamp by:
holding two adjacent solar modules (304/1) and (304/2) by using a the clamp mounting jaws (606); and
using a screw (504) for fastening the universal clamp (502) to the bell-shaped purlin (102).
15. The method of assembling the solar module mounting assembly as claimed in claim 12, comprising using the universal clamp (502) as an end clamp by holding an end solar module (304/1) by using only one mounting jaw from the clamp mounting jaws (606).