CLIAMS:I/We Claim
1. A system for securing solar panels to a purlin framing support member, comprising: columns, rafters, bracings and connecting elements characterized that: support members are mounted on hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces at the vertical rafter and connected to a carriage through a plurality of hex bolts.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the modules are mounted on purlins through bolting or clamping as per the requirement and type of the module.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a gap of 20 mm is left between the modules in both directions, to account for the vibrations of modules that may result during wind or seismic loads.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the purlins are cold form hat sections supported on bolting to the horizontal rafters under them.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rafters are cold form hat sections supported on columns.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hat profile horizontal rafter is bolted to the slots provided on the flange of the vertical rafter.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the columns are lipped cold form C sections.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the column postsare is connected by bracings to transfer loads directly to the foundations.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces are provided for better stability at the vertical rafter (C-section) and horizontal rafter (Hat Profile) connection.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the module bolts are fastened to the web of the hat section, thus each module is supported in two regions throughout its width.

11. The system of claim 1, facilitates ease of installation as it avoids the use of additional components or complex sections.

12. The system of claim 1, reduces overall weight of structure due to eliminating various components used on regular structures.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the hat section that is used as a purlin and horizontal rafter has properties superior to normal lipped C sections.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the hat section that is used as a purlin and horizontal rafter eliminates the need for L-brackets and tie rods.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the loads are uniformly distributed and are constant on all the purlins and make the design economical.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the hat profiled purlins (N-S) and horizontal rafters (E-W) have higher torsional resistance, thus reducing the twists which is normally observed in C-sectional members.
,TagSPECI:Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to improvements in the field of solar mounting structures. More particularly, the present invention is related to the technical field that relates to using of HAT profiled horizontal rafters and purlins for solar modules mounting structures and methods of installation thereof.

Background of the Invention

[0002] It is a known practice that to harness solar energy, multiple solar panels in a sheet like manner are arranged side-by-side in a plurality of long rows next to one another and one above the other. To obtain optimum solar irradiation, these solar panels are aligned with respect to the direction of the sun in such a manner that a light incidence as possible is ensured over as large a portion of the day as possible. These solar panels are mounted on a frame structure that is further inserted into soil using concrete foundation or similar method.

[0003] One of the existing frame structures uses a mounting frame and a mounting beam bonded through a bonding material such as a fixing member. This adds additional cost to the overall system and increases the handling and assembly time. Hence reducing the construction efficiency.

[0004] Other existing frame structures consists of just a vertically supported mast itself engaging the rear side of the corresponding panel support roughly in the middle in supporting the same more or less at just one location. In these designs using supporting struts, the points at which these struts engage are located in the middle portion at the rear side of the panel support. The main drawback of this is the wind loading effects are not restricted by the support frames. Also, use of struts complicates the design of supporting structures and need to be welded together.

[0005] Further, the existing support frames made of support elements, onto which the photo-voltaic panels are fixed by means of some clamps that grip a peripheral part of same. These frames are assembled by using components like tie rods, L-brackets and clamps. The primary drawback of this system is improved complexity.

[0006] In light of the aforementioned drawbacks, there clearly exists a need for an alternative and more effective solar module mounting structure for installing solar panels for production of solar energy.
Brief Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention address at least some of the drawbacks set forth above. The present invention as expressed in the title of this specification refers to an improved modular structure which is customized for structures with landscape orientation of modules.

[0008] The present invention provides for the improved solar panel mounting structures designs that reduce manufacturing costs and cumbersome mounting hardware for each module. These improved module designs are well suited for rapid installation. Calculation of all elements employed in the design and construction of the structure of the invention is carried out according to the regulations in force with respect to this type of products.

[0009] In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, an improved solar module mounting structure using HAT profile horizontal rafters and purlins is disclosed.

[0010] Differential advantages of the new modular structure, among others, are a modular system that allows one to design the structures as adapted to the specific needs of each facility.

[0011] A principal object of the present invention is it avoids the use of additional components or complex sections. Reduces overall weight of structure due to eliminating various components used on regular structures.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is that the loads are constant and are uniformly distributed on all the purlins, making the design economical.

[0013] A still further object of the present invention is the improved solar modules mounting structure eliminating the need of tie rods and L-brackets.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a system for securing solar panels to a purlin framing support member is disclosed. The system comprises of support members i.e. columns, rafters, bracings and connecting elements that are mounted on hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces at the vertical rafter and connected to a carriage through a plurality of hex bolts.

[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the modules are mounted on purlins through bolting or clamping as per the requirement and type of the module.

[0016] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, further a gap of 20 mm is left between the modules in both directions, to account for the vibrations of modules that may result during wind or seismic loads.

[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the purlins are cold form hat sections supported on bolting to the horizontal rafters under them. Also, these rafters are cold form hat sections supported on columns.

[0018] In accordance with an aspect of the proposed invention, the hat profile horizontal rafter is bolted to the slots provided on the flange of the vertical rafter.

[0019] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the column posts made of lipped cold form C sections connected by bracings to transfer loads directly to the foundations.

[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces are provided for better stability at the vertical rafter (C-section) and horizontal rafter (Hat Profile) connection.

[0021] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, wherein the bolts of the sola modules are fastened to the web of the hat section, thus each module is supported in two regions throughout its width.

[0022] According to the present invention, the improved solar modules mounting structure facilitates ease of installation by avoiding the use of additional components or complex sections, reduces the overall weight of structure by eliminating various components used on regular structures and the twists which are normally observed in C-sectional members.

[0023] The hat sections used in the solar modules mounting structures has properties superior to normal lipped C sections. These hat sections have higher torsional resistance. By using these types of hat sections the loads are uniformly distributed and are constant on all the purlins and make the design economical.

[0024] Accordingly, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive apparatus described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
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Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a foundation system, reproduced in a perspective view of mounting solar module structures in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates foundation system, reproduced in a perspective view of hat profile horizontal rafter pieces in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing mounting of hat profiled horizontal rafters and purlins according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is top view showing mounting of hat profiled horizontal rafter sections according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of hat sections connected with hex bolts according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] The present invention is directed towards an improved modular structure which is customized for structure with landscape orientation of module is disclosed. This arrangement eliminates the need of many components like L plates, Tie rods, etc., thus reducing the weight of the structure drastically.

[0027] The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 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 item. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0028] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for securing solar panels to a purlin framing support member is disclosed. The system comprises of support members i.e. columns, rafters, bracings and connecting elements that are mounted on hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces at the vertical rafter and connected to a carriage through a plurality of hex bolts.

[0029] The solar modules structures are mounted on purlins through bolting or clamping as per the requirement and type of the module. A gap of 20 mm is left between the modules in both directions, to account for the vibrations of modules that may result during wind or seismic loads. The bolts of the solar modules are fastened to the web of the hat section, thus each module is supported in two regions throughout its width.

[0030] The rafters and purlins are mounted on the column posts made of lipped cold form C sections connected by bracings to transfer loads directly to the foundations. These purlins are cold form hat sections supported on bolting to the horizontal rafters under them, and the later is also made of cold form hat sections supported on columns. Further, the hat profile horizontal rafter is bolted to the slots provided on the flange of the vertical rafter.

[0031] The hat sections used in the solar modules mounting structures has properties superior to normal lipped C sections. These hat sections have higher torsional resistance. By using these types of hat sections the loads are uniformly distributed and are constant on all the purlins and make the design economical.

[0032] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 illustrates the landscape view of mounting the solar modules structures. The said system consists of plurality of solar modules 106 which are held by hat profiled purlins 104 which are further mounted on hat profiled horizontal rafters 102 that are inclined in the longitudinal direction with respect to the sun and are supported by a plurality vertical column posts 108. The solar modules 106 are arranged side-by-side and one above the other such that there is a gap 112 of 20mm in both the directions to account for the vibrations of modules that may result during wind or seismic loads. The horizontal rafters 102 and purlins 104 are connected by using a plurality of hex bolts. The cross-members 110 are used to connect the adjacent column posts 108 to account for loads and vibrations.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrates a perspective view 200 of plurality of hat profiled horizontal rafter pieces 202, mounted on support frames 214 using hex bolts. These support frames 214 joining two horizontal rafters 202 supported on plurality of column posts 208 by using nuts and bolts. The cross-members 210 are used for supporting vertical column posts 208 to account for loads and vibrations.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the perspective view 300 of mounting rafters and purlins. Hat shaped nopurlins 304 having extended web section with a plurality of holes 316 on it are fitted to hat shaped horizontal rafters 302 using bolts.

[0036] Further referring to FIG. 4 illustrates a top view 400 of affixing the hat profiled horizontal rafter sections 402a with extended web having holes fitted to the horizontal rafters 402 by bolts. Further, the horizontal rafter 402 are fitted on support frames 414 using C-sections further mounted to column posts as shown in FIG. 2. Now referring to FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view 500 of hat shaped horizontal rafters 502 fitted using hex bolts 518. These hat shaped rafters and purlins have higher torsional resistance, thus reducing the twists on C-sections.

[0037] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after reading the detailed description given above. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease of installation and/or reducing twists on C-sections. Rather, as the flowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.