Pivot-fit connection apparatus, system and method for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A grooved frame photovoltaic module, comprising:
 (a) a photovoltaic laminate having a top planar surface;   (b) a frame extending around the photovoltaic laminate, the frame having a top surface; and   (c) a side groove in the frame, the side groove comprising:
 (i) an inner portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface being parallel to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate; and 
 (ii) an outer portion having an aperture passing therethrough, wherein an outer entrance into the aperture is disposed above an inner entrance into the aperture. 
   
     
     
         2 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the outer entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame is less than a distance between the inner entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the outer entrance into the aperture is closer to the top surface of the frame than the inner entrance into the aperture is to the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the side groove further comprises:
 (iii) a mid-portion disposed between the inner and outer portions, wherein the mid-portion has an upper recess disposed above the top surface of the inner portion of the side groove and a lower recess disposed below the bottom surface of the inner portion of the side groove.   
     
     
         5 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 4 , wherein the upper and lower recesses are parallel to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
         6 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the frame and the side groove extend around four sides of the photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
         7 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein a top edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed above a top edge of the inner entrance into the aperture. 
     
     
         8 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed below a bottom edge of the inner entrance into the aperture. 
     
     
         9 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the top of the aperture includes a bearing surface and the bottom of the aperture includes a bearing surface, and wherein the bearing surface on the top of the aperture is at an inner edge of the aperture, and the bearing surface on the bottom of the aperture is at an outer edge of the aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture in the outer portion of the side groove defines an angled insertion path for a component to be received therein. 
     
     
         11 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 10 , wherein the angled insertion path is disposed at an angle to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
         12 . A grooved frame for a photovoltaic module, comprising:
 (a) a frame having a top surface; and   (b) a side groove in the frame, the side groove comprising:
 (i) an inner portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface being parallel to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate; and 
 (ii) an outer portion having an aperture passing therethrough, wherein an outer entrance into the aperture is disposed above an inner entrance into the aperture. 
   
     
     
         13 . The grooved frame for a photovoltaic module of  claim 12 , wherein the distance between the outer entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame is less than a distance between the inner entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The grooved frame for a photovoltaic module of  claim 12 , wherein the outer entrance into the aperture is closer to the top surface of the frame than the inner entrance into the aperture is to the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         15 . The grooved frame for a photovoltaic module of  claim 12 , wherein a top edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed above a top edge of the inner entrance into the aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 12 , wherein a bottom edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed below a bottom edge of the inner entrance into the aperture. 
     
     
         17 . A grooved frame photovoltaic module, comprising:
 (a) a photovoltaic laminate having a top planar surface;   (b) a frame extending around the photovoltaic laminate; and   (c) a side groove in the frame, the side groove comprising:
 (i) an inner portion having a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate; 
 (ii) a mid-portion disposed adjacent to the inner portion, the mid-portion having a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to the top planar surface of the photovoltaic laminate, wherein the top surface of the mid-portion is higher than the top surface of the inner portion and the bottom surface of the mid-portion is lower than the bottom surface of the inner portion; and 
 (iii) an outer portion having an aperture passing therethrough, the aperture defining an angled insertion path for a component inserted therein. 
   
     
     
         18 . The grooved frame for a photovoltaic module of  claim 17 , wherein the distance between the outer entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame is less than a distance between the inner entrance into the aperture and the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The grooved frame for a photovoltaic module of  claim 17 , wherein a top edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed above a top edge of the inner entrance into the aperture. 
     
     
         20 . The grooved frame photovoltaic module of  claim 17 , wherein a bottom edge of the outer entrance into the aperture is disposed below a bottom edge of the inner entrance into the aperture.