US 11,949,371 B2
Photovoltaic module deflection limiter
Benjamin C. de Fresart, Albuquerque, NM (US); Nathan Schuknecht, Golden, CO (US); and Jon Sharp, Fort Collins, CO (US)
Assigned to ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed by ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed on Feb. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/169,058.
Application 18/169,058 is a division of application No. 17/561,093, filed on Dec. 23, 2021, granted, now 11,581,846, issued on Feb. 14, 2023.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/130,177, filed on Dec. 23, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0188089 A1, Jun. 15, 2023
Int. Cl. H02S 30/10 (2014.01); H02S 20/30 (2014.01)
CPC H02S 30/10 (2014.12) [H02S 20/30 (2014.12)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A deflection pad suitable for cushioning impact between a photovoltaic (PV) module and a support structure, the deflection pad comprising:
a body including at least two peaks, the at least two peaks together defining a top surface configured to contact a surface of the PV module;
a recess disposed between the two peaks, the recess sized to accommodate a fastener such that when deployed, the fastener is below the top surface; and
arms projecting from the body in a direction generally opposite the two peaks, the arms extending below a bottom surface of the body such that they are configured to cover at least a portion of exterior lateral sides of the support structure.