Solar panel module clamp with gussets
A photovoltaic module clamp that secures a photovoltaic module to a structural support surface comprises a web that separates a first sidewall and a second sidewall at a distal end of the clamp, where the first and second sidewalls are substantially opposing and spaced apart to form a cavity. The web includes a plurality of segments includes a plurality of radiused segments and first and second opposing gussets located on respective opposing ones of the plurality of radiused segments. The first sidewall includes a through hole that receives a projection extending from the structural support surface. The second sidewall includes a rib extending from a proximate end of the second sidewall towards the distal end of the clamp, and the proximate end of the second sidewall flares outwardly from the cavity. The first sidewall has a first sidewall length extending along the first sidewall between the proximate and distal ends that is greater than a second sidewall length of the second sidewall extending along the second sidewall between the proximate and distal ends. A bendable projection extends from the first sidewall through the through hole and into the cavity.
1 . A photovoltaic module clamp that secures a photovoltaic module to a structural support surface, the clamp comprising:
a web that separates a first sidewall and a second sidewall at a distal end of the clamp, where the first and second sidewalls are substantially opposing and spaced apart to form a cavity;
where the web includes a plurality of segments comprising a plurality of radiused segments and first and second opposing gussets located on respective opposing ones of the plurality of radiused segments;
where the first sidewall includes a through hole that receives a projection extending from the structural support surface;
where the second sidewall includes a rib extending from a proximate end of the second sidewall towards the distal end of the clamp, and the proximate end of the second sidewall flares outwardly from the cavity;
where the first sidewall has a first sidewall length extending along the first sidewall between the proximate and distal ends that is greater than a second sidewall length of the second sidewall extending along the second sidewall between the proximate and distal ends; and
a bendable projection extending from the first sidewall through the through hole and into the cavity.
2 . The photovoltaic module clamp of claim 1 , where the web, the first and second sidewalls and the bendable projection form a unitary single piece structure.
3 . The photovoltaic module clamp of claim 2 , where the unitary single piece structure is metallic.
4 . The photovoltaic module clamp of claim 3 , where the web is a bulbous shape that includes the first and second opposing gussets.
5 . The photovoltaic modular clamp of claim 4 , where the through hole is rectangularly shaped.
6 . The photovoltaic modular clamp of claim 5 , where the proximate ends of the second sidewall are one of chamfered or bullnosed.
7 . A photovoltaic module clamp, comprising:
a web extending between a first sidewall and a second sidewall at a distal end of the clamp, where the first and second sidewalls are substantially opposing and spaced apart to form a cavity;
where the web includes a plurality of segments comprising a plurality of radiused segments and first and second opposing gussets located on respective opposing ones of the plurality of radiused segments;
where the first sidewall includes a bendable projection extending obliquely from the first sidewall;
where the second sidewall includes a rib extending from a proximate end of the second sidewall towards the distal end of the clamp, and the proximate end of the second sidewall flares outwardly away from the cavity; and
where the first sidewall has a first sidewall length extending along the first sidewall between the proximate and distal ends that is greater than a second sidewall length of the second sidewall extending along the second sidewall between the proximate and distal ends.
8 . A solar panel mounting subassembly, comprising:
a tube;
a purlin attached to the tube, the purlin comprising a purlin sidewall with a projection extending outwardly from the sidewall;
a photovoltaic module comprising a frame that includes an exterior mounting hole;
a clamp to secure the photovoltaic module to the purlin, the clamp comprising
a web extending between a first sidewall and a second sidewall at a distal end of the clamp, where the first and second sidewalls are substantially opposing and spaced apart to form a cavity;
where the web includes a plurality of segments comprising a plurality of radiused segments and first and second opposing gussets located on respective opposing ones of the plurality of radiused segments;
where the first sidewall includes a through hole and a bendable projection extending obliquely from a plane of the through hole; and
where the second sidewall includes a rib extending from a proximate end of the second sidewall towards the distal end of the clamp, and the proximate end of the second sidewall flares outwardly away from the cavity.
9 . The solar panel mounting subassembly of claim 8 , where the proximate end of the second sidewall includes a proximate end segment that flares outwardly from the cavity.
10 . The solar panel mounting subassembly of claim 8 , where the tube comprises a rotatable torque tube.