Rotation connector suggestions. 1

[itsmoked]

I have a solar panel that needs to be seasonally angle adjusted. The mount is leavng me scratching my head because the panel is mounted via a T-stud on the edge. Of course, this means the T-stud must always be tight or things will fall apart but I need the joint to be rotatable too. I've not found anything obvious that solves this issue. What'cha got?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[mk3223]

Is the mounting bracket truly adjustable or rotatable? It isn't clear on your sketch to shown the whole bracket what it looks like.
My understanding is that the adjustable mounts doesn't help too much for the efficiency of the solar panel, but may cause problem in the future. Instead, mount the panels with a fix angle and orientation could be simplified the installation and maintenance work.

 

[itsmoked]

Hi mk.

You gain about 10% over the year if you adjust the angle a couple of times a year. This panel is low to the ground, easy to reach, so it's desired to gain that 10%.

The mounting bracket is two of the angles I drew above on the right. The two brackets can be angled anyway that makes sense for this mount.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[robyengIT]

one washer fixed to the structure and a second washer fixed to the panel (see attached figure)

PS : similar to the device for the position adjustment of the umbrella on a baby stroller

 

[MintJulep]

Are the T slots on the "sides" or on the top and bottom?

What is the panel mounted to?

 

[itsmoked]

robyengIT; I'm sorry but I have no idea how what you're suggesting will provide the needed fixed translational and free rotational motion needed.

Hi Mint; The sides. So, if the T-stud is loosened the panels would likely slide down-roof on them.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[dvd]

I envision some sort of hinge and adjusting screw arrangement - which does not work for side mounting to T-slot. Otherwise post a better picture of your particular setup. This turns into a twenty questions game where only the OP knows what they are looking for.

 

[Sparweb]

Consider making the structural frame (to which the panel is mounted) rotate, rather than force the frame of the solar panel to also be the structural frame and hinge point all together.
What I mean is, you should be mounting the solar panel onto a support structure, rather than trying to force the solar panel's flimsy frame to be the structure.
Been there done that.

STF

 

[MintJulep]

Sketch is a bit crude, but should be a starting point.

 

[itsmoked]

Spar that was where I was going as a last resort. The panels are stiff as hell and hurricane rated so no sub-frame is physically needed.

Mint.. Gads how did I not see that! Dang near trivial.

Thanks a bunch.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com