US 12,413,181 B2
Snap-lock photovoltaic module mounting system
Lucas Creasy, Scottsdale, AZ (US); Nathan Schuknecht, Golden, CO (US); and Benjamin C. de Fresart, Albuquerque, NM (US)
Assigned to ARRAY TECH, INC., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed by ARRAY TECH, INC., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed on May 1, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/652,283.
Application 18/652,283 is a continuation of application No. 17/652,440, filed on Feb. 24, 2022, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/228,261, filed on Aug. 2, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/153,326, filed on Feb. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0283396 A1, Aug. 22, 2024
Int. Cl. H02S 30/10 (2014.01); F16B 2/06 (2006.01); F16M 13/02 (2006.01)
CPC H02S 30/10 (2014.12) [F16B 2/06 (2013.01); F16M 13/02 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A mounting system for photovoltaic (PV) modules comprising:
a module rail configured to be secured to a PV module, the module rail having a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, and a base portion that connects at least portions of bottom edges of the first and second lateral walls;
a first wire form module clamp having a first end, a second end, and a curve forming a first fastening loop between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the first and second lateral walls of the module rail;
a second wire form module clamp having a first end, a second end, and a curve forming a second fastening loop between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the first and second lateral walls of the module rail; and
a fastener that couples the first fastening loop to the second fastening loop, such that in a coupled configuration, the first and second wire form module clamps are configured to secure the module rail to a torque tube;
wherein:
to secure the first wire form module clamp to the module rail, the first and second ends of the first wire form module clamp are inserted through holes defined by the first and second lateral walls, respectively; and
to secure the second wire form module clamp to the module rail, the first and second ends of the second wire form module clamp are inserted through holes defined by the first and second lateral walls, respectively.