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WO2025171176A1 - Attache de gestion de fils - Google Patents

Attache de gestion de fils

Info

Publication number
WO2025171176A1
WO2025171176A1 PCT/US2025/014857 US2025014857W WO2025171176A1 WO 2025171176 A1 WO2025171176 A1 WO 2025171176A1 US 2025014857 W US2025014857 W US 2025014857W WO 2025171176 A1 WO2025171176 A1 WO 2025171176A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
clip
wire
flange
side structure
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/014857
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brady HODDINOTT
Brady Schimpf
Alexander BORNEMANN
Benjamin Wade
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Easy Solar Products LLC
Original Assignee
Easy Solar Products LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Easy Solar Products LLC filed Critical Easy Solar Products LLC
Publication of WO2025171176A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025171176A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/30—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings
    • H02G3/32—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/12—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
    • H02S30/10—Frame structures

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to wire management and, more specifically, to adjustable wire management clips.
  • Wire management is an important aspect in various applications, including electrical and solar power systems. Effective wire management ensures the safety, functionality, and longevity of the installations. In electrical systems, poor wire management can lead to issues such as short circuits, electrical fires, and inefficient operation. Similarly, in solar applications, improper wire management can reduce the efficiency of the photovoltaic system, introduce safety hazards, and complicate installation and maintenance operations.
  • wire management clip with an adjustable flange.
  • the wire management clips described herein address the limitations of traditional wire management devices by offering a more versatile and customizable approach.
  • the adjustable flange design allows for secure wire placement in diverse scenarios, enhancing both the safety and efficiency of electrical and solar installations.
  • a wire management clip may comprise a mounting clip, a wire clip and a locking mechanism.
  • the mounting clip can comprise an outer clip and an inner clip.
  • the outer clip and inner clip may be operable to clamp onto a frame (e.g., a solar panel frame).
  • the frame may comprise a top, a side structure, and a flange.
  • the side structure may be coupled to the top, the side structure and flange. This arrangement may form an L-shape terminating in the flange.
  • the wire clip may be coupled to one of the inner clip and the outer clip.
  • the wire clip may comprise a wire slot.
  • the wire clip may be sized to retain one or more wires in the wire slot.
  • the locking mechanism may be configured to retain the inner clip and the outer clip onto the frame.
  • the outer clip may be configured to engage the side structure, and the inner clip may be configured to engage the flange.
  • the wire clip may be coupled to the inner clip.
  • the outer clip may comprise a vertical arm extending along an exterior side of the side structure.
  • the inner clip may comprise a flange slot configured to conform to the flange.
  • the wire slot may be oriented to face the side structure.
  • an end of the wire clip may be sized to extend towards the side structure to contact the side structure when the flange may be positioned in the flange slot.
  • portions of the inner clip forming the flange slot comprise a spring force and a size of the flange slot to create a friction fit to the flange.
  • the outer clip may be configured to engage the side structure
  • the inner clip may be configured to engage the flange and/or the side structure.
  • the locking mechanism may comprise a threaded bolt extending through the outer clip and inner clip. In response to tightening the threaded bolt, the outer clip moves toward the inner clip.
  • the threaded bolt may comprise a hex-shaped head, a slot for a screwdriver, and/or a head comprising grooves around a perimeter configured for a user to grip the head at the grooves when tightening the threaded bolt.
  • the inner clip of the wire management clip may comprise a retainer channel and the outer clip may comprise a retainer tooth positioned in the retainer channel.
  • the outer clip the wire management clip may comprise a retainer channel and the inner clip may comprise a retainer tooth positioned in the retainer channel.
  • one or both ends of the retainer channel may be positioned to limit travel of the outer clip within the inner clip.
  • the wire clip may be coupled to the outer clip.
  • the locking mechanism may comprise a threaded bolt extending through the outer clip and inner clip. In response to tightening the threaded bolt, the outer clip moves toward the inner clip.
  • a wire management clip may comprise a mounting clip and a wire clip.
  • the mounting clip operable to clamp onto a frame.
  • the frame may comprise a top, a side structure, and a flange.
  • the side structure may be coupled to the top.
  • the side structure and flange may form an L-shape terminating in the flange.
  • the mounting clip may comprise an outer clip and an inner clip.
  • the outer clip may comprise a horizontal section configured to engage a bottom of the side structure opposite the top.
  • the outer clip may also comprise a vertical arm extending along an exterior side of the side structure.
  • the inner clip may comprise a hook section shaped to engage a terminating edge of the flange.
  • the inner clip may be coupled to the outer clip via a connecting section.
  • the connecting section may be configured to provide a spring force between the outer clip and the inner clip. This spring forces and orientation allows the hook section to flex away from the outer clip during installation and to maintain the vertical arm against the side structure and the hook section against the flange.
  • the wire clip may be coupled to the inner clip.
  • the wire clip may comprise a wire slot oriented toward the top of the frame. The wire clip sized to retain one or more wires in the wire slot.
  • the hook section may comprise a sloped ramp extending from a top of the hook section opposite the connecting section to a horizonal portion positioned on the flange.
  • the sloped ramp may be sloped toward the outer clip.
  • a wire management clip may comprise a mounting clip, a threaded bolt and a wire clip.
  • the mounting clip may be operable to clamp onto a frame.
  • the frame may comprise a top, a side structure, and a flange, the side structure coupled to the top, the side structure and flange forming an L-shape terminating in the flange.
  • the mounting clip may comprise an upper lip and a lower lip forming a flange slot configured to conform to the flange.
  • the threaded bolt may extend through the lower lip. In response to tightening the threaded bolt exerts a force on the flange to secure the mounting clip to the flange.
  • the wire clip may be coupled the upper lip.
  • the wire clip may comprise a wire slot.
  • the wire clip may be sized to retain one or more wires in the wire slot.
  • the wire slot may orient toward the side structure.
  • an end of the wire clip may be sized to extend towards the side structure to contact the side structure when the flange may be positioned in the flange slot.
  • the threaded bolt may comprise a hex-shaped head, a slot for a screwdriver, and/or a head may comprise grooves around a perimeter configured for a user to grip the head at the grooves when tightening the threaded bolt.
  • a wire management clip may comprise an outer clip, an outer clip, a wire clip and a locking mechanism.
  • the outer clip and the inner clip may be operable to clamp onto a frame the frame may comprise a top, a side structure, and a flange, the side structure coupled to the top, the side structure and flange forming an L-shape terminating in the flange.
  • the wire clip coupled to one of the inner clip and the outer clip.
  • the wire clip may comprise a wire slot.
  • the wire clip sized to retain one or more wires in the wire slot.
  • the locking mechanism configured to retain the inner clip and the outer clip onto the frame.
  • the outer clip and/or the inner clip comprise a gripping mechanism.
  • the gripping mechanism may be configured to engage sides of the flange in response to the locking mechanism being in a locked position with the inner clip and the outer clip engaging the sides of the flange.
  • the locking mechanism may comprise teeth and/or a non-slip material mounted on a surface of the outer clip and/or the inner clip facing the flange.
  • an end of the extension arm may be flexible and exerts a spring force to maintain one or more of the teeth of the extension arm engaged with the edge of the receiving slot.
  • the receiving slot may be configured with a length configured to allow movement of the extension arm by a user to release the one or more teeth of the extension arm from the edge of the receiving slot.
  • the edge of the receiving slot may comprise one or more opposing teeth configured to engage one or more teeth of the extension arm.
  • the outer clip may be coupled to the inner clip via a hinge.
  • Figure 1H is a back view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure II is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1 A, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 2B is a section view B-B further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure Al, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 3A is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A in an open position, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 3B is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A in a closed position, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 4A is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A in an open position and a section view of a frame wherein the wire management clip is positioned on the frame, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 4B is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A in a closed position and a section view of the frame wherein the wire management clip is secured to the frame, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 5 is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1A in a closed position and a section view of the frame wherein the wire management clip is secured to the frame and a section view of wire in the wire management clip, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 6A is a perspective side view illustrating another wire management clip with an adjustable flange and a post installation wire clip for post installation positioning of wire, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 6B is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 6A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 6C is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 6A in a closed position and a section view of the frame wherein the wire management clip is secured to the frame and a section view of wire in the wire management clip and in the slot for post installation positioning of wire, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 7 is a bottom view of two wire management clips of Figure 1 A or Figure 6A positioned on a frame and wire positioned in the frame and wire management clips, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 8 is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 6A in a closed position and a section view of the frame wherein the wire management clip is secured to the frame and a section view of an oval-shaped wire in the wire management clip, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 9 is a bottom view of a frame and a wire management clip of Figure 1 A or Figure 6A positioned on a frame and a wire extending from a junction box and positioned in wire management clip, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 10 is a side section view of the frame and a side view of the wire management clip of Figure 9 where wire is positioned in the wire management clip, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 11 A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip with an adjustable flange and a bolt tightening mechanism, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 1 IB is a back view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 11 A, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 11C is a front view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 11 A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 1 ID is a top perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 11 A, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 1 IE is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 11A, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 12A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip with a threaded bolt with a hand tightening top, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 12B is a back view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 12A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 12C is a front view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 12A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 12D is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 12A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 13B is a back view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 13A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 13C is a front view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 13A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 13D is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 13A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 14A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip with an end frame screw tightening mechanism, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 14B is a back view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 14A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 14D is a top perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 14A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 14E is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 14A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 15C is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 15 A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 15D is a top perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 15 A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 16A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip with a snap-on mechanism, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 16C is a front view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 16A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 16D is a top perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 16A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 16E is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 16A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 17A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip with a locking flange clip with teeth, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 17D is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 17A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 18C is a top cross-sectional view of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figures 19A - 19F are progressive views of a wire management clip being installed on exemplary solar panel frames, according to various embodiments;
  • Figure 20B is a top perspective view of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 20D is an exploded perspective view of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 20E is a side view of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 20F is a cross-section view of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 20G is a detail view of a portion of a wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figures 20H - 20M are progressive views of a wire management clip being installed on exemplary solar panel frames, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of a first wire management clip with an accessory, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 22 is a perspective view of a second wire management clip with an accessory, according to various embodiments.
  • a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list.
  • a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.
  • a list using the terminology “one or more of’ includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list.
  • one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.
  • Figure 1A is a perspective side view illustrating a wire management clip 100 with an adjustable flange, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure IB is a bottom perspective view
  • Figure 1C is a first side view
  • Figure ID is a second side view
  • Figure IE is a top view
  • Figure IF is a bottom view
  • Figure 1G is a front view
  • Figure 1H is a back view
  • Figure II is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 2A is a top view with a section line and Figure 2B is a section view B-B further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1 A, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 3A is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip of Figure 1 A in an open position, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 3B is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1 A in a closed position
  • Figure 4A is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1A in an open position and a section view of a frame 150 where the wire management clip 100 is positioned on the frame 150, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 4B is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1A in a closed position and a section view of the frame 150 where the wire management clip 100 is secured to the frame 150, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 5 is a side view further illustrating the wire management clip 100 of Figure 1A in a closed position and a section view of the frame 150 where the wire management clip 100 is secured to the frame 150 and a section view of wire in the wire management clip 100, according to various embodiments.
  • wire clips described herein include an outer clip and an inner clip.
  • the outer clip and the inner clip are operable to clamp onto a frame 150 where the frame 150 includes a top 156, a side structure 152, and a flange 154.
  • the side structure 152 is coupled to the top 156 where the side structure 152 and flange 154 form an L-shape terminating in the flange 154.
  • a cross section of a typical frame 150 is depicted in Figure 4A, as well as other figures (e.g., 4B, 5, 6C, 7-10, HA, HD, HE, 12A, 12C, 12D, 13A-E, 14A-E, 15A-D, 16A-D, 17A-D).
  • the wire management clips described herein include a wire clip coupled to the inner clip or the outer clip and the wire clip includes a wire slot where the wire clip is sized to retain one or more wires in the wire slot.
  • the wire management clips described herein also include a locking mechanism configured to retain the inner clip and the outer clip onto the frame 150.
  • the wire management clips described herein are varied to accommodate different types and sizes of frames 150.
  • the wire management clips described herein are able to accommodate a range of sizes and shapes of frames 150.
  • Figure 5 depicts two cross sections of wire 130 in the wire clip 106 and depicts the wire management clip 100 secured to a frame 150 (seen in cross section).
  • the wire clip 106 is depicted touching a vertical side structure 152 of the frame 150 so that wire 130 in the wire clip 106 is surrounded on three sides by the wire clip 106 and an opening of the wire clip 106 is secured against the side structure 152 of the frame 150, thus enclosing the wire 130.
  • the end of the wire clip 106 is sized to at least retain wire 130 in the wire clip 106 where a diameter of the wire 130 is less than a gap between the end of the wire clip 106 and the side structure 152.
  • the wire holder 124 includes one or more notches sized to accommodate a wire 130 in each notch of the one or more notches of the wire holder 124, as depicted in Figure 5.
  • the wire holder 124 is formed with the wire clip 106 and/or the inner clip 104 and are made from a flexible material, such as a plastic, a nylon, a polymer, or the like.
  • the outer clip 102 inserts into a flange slot 108 in the inner clip 104 and is moved into the inner clip 104 until a vertical arm 118 of the outer clip 102 is secured against a side structure of the frame 150.
  • the side structure 152 has a thickness in a range of 9.5 mm to 33.5 mm and the inner clip 104 and outer clip 102 are sized to accommodate thickness of the side structure 152 in the range of about 9 mm to about 35 mm.
  • the side structure 152 has avertical dimension in the range of 30-45 mm.
  • the inner clip 104 and outer clip 102 accommodate side structures 152 of different thicknesses and heights.
  • Figure 9 is a bottom view of a frame 150 and a wire management clip 100, 600 of Figure 1 A or Figure 6A positioned on a frame 150 and a wire 130 extending from a junction box 158 and positioned in wire management clip 100, 600, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 9 depicts wire 130 extending from a junction box 158 and looping up through a wire management clip 100, 600 and then extending to a plug 158.
  • the plug 158 is connected to a trunk cable, wire harness, or other cable that includes receptacles for plugs 158 matching the plug 158 at the end of the wire 130.
  • Figure 10 is a side section view of the frame 150 and a side view of the wire management clip 600 of Figure 9 where wire 130 is positioned in the wire management clip, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 10 depicts more detail of the wire management clip 600 of Figure 9 and wire 130 and plug 158.
  • Figure 10 depicts the wire 130 secured to the frame 150 using the wire management clip 600.
  • the sleeve is connected via an adhesive, molded into the inner clip 1104, or the like.
  • the wire management clip 1100 includes another post installation wire clip (not shown) similar to the post installation wire clip 602 of the wire management clip 600 of Figures 6A-C.
  • Figure 13A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip 1300 with a threaded bolt 1340 with a hex head 1242, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 13B is a back view
  • Figure 13C is a front view
  • Figure 13D is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip 1300 of Figure 13A, according to various embodiments.
  • the wire management clip 1300 of Figures 13A-D in various embodiments, is substantially similar to the wire management clip 1200 of Figures 12A-D except with a threaded bolt 1340 with a hex head 1342 rather than a head 1242 configured for a user to operate by hand.
  • Figure 14A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip 1400 with an end frame screw tightening mechanism, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 14B is a back view
  • Figure 14C is a front view
  • Figure 14D is a top perspective view
  • Figure 14E is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip 1400 of Figure 14A, according to various embodiments.
  • the wire management clip 1400 includes a mounting clip with an outer clip 1402 and an inner clip 1404.
  • the outer clip 1402 and inner clip 1404 are operable to clamp onto a frame 150.
  • the frame 150 in some embodiments, includes a top 156, a side structure 152, and a flange 154 where the side structure 152 is coupled to the top 156 and the side structure 152 and flange 154 form an L-shape terminating in the flange 154.
  • the frame 150 does not include a flange 154.
  • the flange 154 is short.
  • the bottom of the side structure 152 is considered to be the flange 154 or part of the flange 154.
  • the outer clip 1402 is configured to engage the side structure 152 and the inner clip 1404 is configured to engage the flange 154 or inside portion of the side structure 152 where there is no flange 154.
  • the inner clip 1404 also engages the bottom of the side structure 152 and/or bottom of the flange 154.
  • Figure 16A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip 1600 with a snap- on mechanism, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 16B is a back view
  • Figure 16C is a front view
  • Figure 16D is a top perspective view
  • Figure 16E is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip 1600 of Figure 16A, according to various embodiments.
  • the wire management clip 1600 includes a mounting clip operable to clamp onto a frame 150.
  • the frame 150 includes a top 156, a side structure 152, and a flange 154.
  • the side structure 152 is coupled to the top 156 and the side structure 152 and flange 154 form an L-shape terminating in the flange 154.
  • the mounting clip in some embodiments, includes an outer clip 1670 that includes a horizontal section 1671 configured to engage a bottom of the side structure 152 opposite the top 156 and a vertical arm 1676 extending along an exterior side of the side structure 152.
  • the mounting clip also includes an inner clip 1672 that includes a hook section 1678 shaped to engage a terminating edge of the flange 154.
  • the inner clip 1672 is coupled to the outer clip 1670 via a connecting section 1673.
  • the connecting section 1673 is configured to provide a spring force between the outer clip 1670 and the inner clip 1672 to allow the hook section 1678 to flex away from the outer clip 1670 during installation and to maintain the vertical arm 1676 against the side structure 152 and the hook section 1678 against the flange 154.
  • the connecting section 1673 includes an opening 1674 that allows a thin portion of the inner clip 1672 to flex and to provide the spring force.
  • the wire clip 1606 is sized to extend towards the top 156 of the frame 150 a distance such that a gap between the wire clip 1606 and the top 156 of the frame 150 is less than a diameter of wire 130 expected to be in the wire slot 122.
  • the wire management clip 1600 is of unitary construction and the outer clip 1670, the inner clip 1672, the connecting section 1673, the wire clip 1606, and other parts of the wire management clip 1600 are described separately for convenience. In other embodiments, some or all of the outer clip 1670, the inner clip 1672, the connecting section 1673, the wire clip 1606, and other parts of the wire management clip 1600 are of different materials and/or are separate.
  • Figure 17A is a side section view illustrating a wire management clip 1700 with a locking flange clip with teeth, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 17B is a back view
  • Figure 17C is a top perspective view
  • Figure 17D is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the wire management clip 1700 of Figure 17A, according to various embodiments.
  • the wire management clip 1700 includes a mounting clip with an outer clip 1702 and an inner clip 1704.
  • the outer clip 1702 and inner clip 1704 are operable to clamp onto a frame 150.
  • the frame 150 includes a top 156, a side structure 152, and a flange 154.
  • the side structure 152 is coupled to the top 156 and the side structure 152 and flange 154 form an L-shape terminating in the flange 154.
  • the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 are configured to engage the frame 150. In some embodiments, the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 are configured to engage the flange 154 of the frame 150, as depicted in Figures 17A-D.
  • the wire management clip 1700 includes a wire clip 1706 coupled to the inner clip 1704 or the outer clip 1702 and the wire clip 1706 includes a wire slot 122 and the wire clip 1706 is sized to retain one or more wires 130 in the wire slot 122.
  • the wire clip 1706 is coupled to the inner clip 1704.
  • the wire clip 1706 is coupled to the outer clip 1702.
  • the wire slot 122 includes a wire holder 124, which is substantially similar to the wire holder 124 described above.
  • the wire management clip 1700 includes a locking mechanism configured to retain the inner clip 1704 and the outer clip 1702 onto the frame 150.
  • the locking mechanism includes an extension arm 1790 with teeth 1792 coupled to one of the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 and a receiving slot 1793 on the outer clip 1702 or the inner clip 1704 without the extension arm 1790.
  • the teeth 1792 of the extension arm 1790 engage an edge of the receiving slot 1793 in response to the extension arm 1790 extending through the receiving slot 1793.
  • the extension arm 1790 is coupled to the inner clip 1704 and the receiving slot 1793 is in the outer clip 1702.
  • the edge of the receiving slot 1793 includes one or more opposing teeth (not shown) configured to engage one or more teeth 1792 of the extension arm 1790.
  • an end of the extension arm 1790 is flexible and exerts a spring force to maintain one or more of the teeth 1792 of the extension arm 1790 engaged with the edge of the receiving slot 1793.
  • the receiving slot 1793 is configured with a length configured to allow movement of the extension arm 1790 by a user to release the one or more teeth 1792 of the extension arm 1790 from the edge of the receiving slot 1793.
  • a user may engage the end of the extension arm 1790 extending from the outer clip 1702 and may pulls the extension arm 1790 away from the edge of the receiving slot 1793 where the teeth 1792 of the extension arm 1790 are engaged to release the outer clip 1702 to be pulled away from the flange 154.
  • the outer clip 1702 is coupled to the inner clip 1704 via a hinge 1798.
  • the hinge 1798 in some embodiments, is configured to allow the outer clip 1702 to rotate with respect to the inner clip 1704.
  • the extension arm 1790 is curved to accommodate rotating the outer clip 1702 with respect to the inner clip 1704.
  • the outer clip 1702 is coupled with the inner clip 1704 at an end without a hinge 1798, such as at the location where the hinge 1798 is depicted.
  • the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 are flexible to allow the outer clip 1702 to be moved far enough away from the inner clip 1704 to allow the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 to engage the frame 150 and/or the flange 154 of the frame 150.
  • the embodiments depicted in Figures 17A-D depict the wire management clip 1700 engaging the flange 154 of the frame 150
  • the embodiments described herein are not so limited and the wire management clip 1700 may engage other parts of the frame 150, such as the side structure 152 when the flange 154 is short or non-existent.
  • the outer clip 1702 and/or the inner clip 1704 include a gripping mechanism configured to engage sides of the flange 154 or frame 150 in response to the locking mechanism being in a locked position with the inner clip 1704 and the outer clip 1702 engaging the sides of the flange 154 or frame 150.
  • the gripping mechanism includes teeth, such as the teeth 1794 on the outer clip 1702 and/or the teeth on the inner clip 1704.
  • the flange 154 or frame 150 is aluminum or another malleable substance so the teeth 1794, 1796 embed or imprint into the flange 154 or frame 150 an amount to resist the wire management clip 1700 from being pulled from the frame 150.
  • the gripping mechanism includes a non-slip material.
  • the nonslip material includes raised ridges, points, or the like that engage the flange 154 or frame 150.
  • the gripping mechanism includes a high resistance material, such as rubber or other tacky substance with a coefficient of friction that is high enough to help maintain the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 engaged with the frame 150 and/or flange 154 of the frame 150.
  • a high resistance material such as rubber or other tacky substance with a coefficient of friction that is high enough to help maintain the outer clip 1702 and the inner clip 1704 engaged with the frame 150 and/or flange 154 of the frame 150.
  • wire management clip 1800 may be a monolithic construction. It may be made of an elastically deformable plastic material. Wire management clip 1800 may comprise a body 1802, having a first end including an arm 1804. Body 1802 may also have a second end defining a wire loop 1806. Body 1802 may also define a flange 1816 along a length of body 1802 adjacent wire loop 1806. Body 1802 may also define a channel 1814 between arm 1804 and flange 1816. Channel 1814 may be sized to engage a solar panel frame 150. Flange 1816 may be biased away from body 1802 to facilitate installation on a solar panel. Body 1802 may comprise a stop 1818 defined in channel 1814. Stop 1818 may be configured to create tension between arm 1804, flange 1816 and a solar panel frame 150 in response to wire management clip 1800 being installed on a solar panel.
  • Wire loop 1806 may include a divider 1808 that bisects the channel 1810 defined by wire loop 1806.
  • Divider 1808 may protrude from an interior wall of wire loop 1806.
  • Divider 1808 may protrude from the interior wall in a cantilevered configuration.
  • divider 1808 may elastically deform or flex to receive one or more wires 130.
  • Divider 1808 may also define one or more peaks 1811 and/or valleys, such as valley 1807 and valley 1809. Peaks 1811 and valleys 1807 and 1809 may be configured to receive and or otherwise allow a user to organize wires 130.
  • peaks 1811 and valleys 1807 and 1809 may be configured to retain wires 130 of various sizes in wire loop 1806.
  • Arm 1804 may comprise one or more teeth or serrations 1812. Serrations 1812 may be configured to create friction in response to being installed on a solar panel framel50. Arm 1804 may be biased toward wire loop 1806 and/or the second end of body 1802.
  • wire management clip 1800 is configured to mate with frame 150.
  • Channel 1814 may be configured to receive a portion of solar panel frame 150.
  • Flange 1816 may be configured to engage flange 154 of solar panel frame 150.
  • the biased-up end of flange 1816 may facilitate installation or rocking of wire management clip 1800 around solar panel frame 150.
  • Arm 1804 may elastically deform in response to wire management clip 1800 being installed on solar panel from 150. The elastic deformation of Arm 1804 creates a retaining force on solar panel frame 150.
  • Serrations 1812 also engage solar panel frame 150 created interference between wire management clip 1800 and solar panel frame 150. If flange 154 is very short or not present in solar panel frame 150, Arm 1804 and flange 1816 may be sufficiently close to one another to engage and be secured the sidewalls of solar panel frame 150.
  • wire management clip 2000 may be an assembly.
  • Wire management clip 2000 may comprise a body 2002.
  • Body 2002 may have a first end comprising a wire loop 2006.
  • Wire loop 2006 may be disposed at an angle relative to body 2002, such that wires 130 are retained by gravity in wire loop 2006.
  • Wire loop 2006 may include a divider 2008 that bisects the channel 2010 defined by wire loop 2006.
  • Divider 2008 may protrude from an interior wall of wire loop 2006.
  • Divider 2008 may protrude from the interior wall in a cantilevered configuration.
  • divider 2008 may elastically deform or flex to receive one or more wires 130.
  • Divider 2008 may also define one or more peaks 2011 and/or valleys, such as valley 2007 and valley 2009. Peaks 2011 and valleys 2007 and 2009 may be configured to receive and or otherwise allow a user to organize wires 130. Moreover, peaks 2011 and valleys 2007 and 2009 may be configured to retain wires 130 of various sizes in wire loop 2006. Wire loop 2006 may also comprise a wire hook 2018. Wire hook 2018 may be configured to receive a wire of a different size or a wire with a different purpose. Wire hook 2018 may include a biased arm to facilitate wire installation. Similarly, wire hook 2018 may be disposed at an angle from body 2002 that facilitates gravity keeping wire 130 in wire hook 2018.
  • wire management clip 2000 may also comprise the housing. 2020.
  • Housing 2020 may be configured to receive at least a portion 2030 of body 2002.
  • Housing 2020 may define a channel 2024 that is configured to receive portion 2030 of body 2002.
  • channel 2024 and portion 2030 may have complimentary profiles.
  • channel 2024 may have a rectangular profile and portion 2030 may have a complimentary rectangular profile such that portion 2030 may be installed in channel 2024.
  • Body 2002 may also have a retention tab 2028. Retention tab 2028 may create an interference fit between body 2002 and housing 2020. When assembled, portion 2030 of body 2002 may slide laterally in channel 2024 or housing 2020 but may be retained in housing 2020 by retention tab 2028, as shown in Figure 20F.
  • Body 2002 may be moveable in channel 2024. Body 2002 may be moveable in response to the actuation of a fattener 2026.
  • Fastener 2026 may have actuation features as described herein including a hex pattern, a star pattern or any other suitable pattern known in the art.
  • Fastener 2026 may be metal.
  • Fastener 2026 may be a course thread fastener.
  • Fastener 2026 may be configured to engage and/or thread into body 2002. More specifically, body 2002 may define a hole or channel 2003. Channel 2003 may have a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter for fastener 2026. In this regard, the threads of fastener 2026 may engage the surface defining channel 2003 as shown in Figures 20F and 20G.
  • Housing 2020 may define a recess 2027 on an end. Recess 2027 may allow fastener 2026 be installed recess 2027, so that it is flush to or within the end of housing 2020.
  • wire management clip 2000 is configured to engage a structure 150 with a first friction surface 2015 comprising teeth and/or serrations and a second friction surface 2028 comprising teeth and/or serrations.
  • First friction surface 2015 may be disposed on a portion of wire loop 2006.
  • Second friction surface 2028 may be disposed on a second end of body 2020 on arm 2022. Both of First friction surface 2015 and second friction surface 2028 may be configured to engage and create a friction or interference fit with panel frame 150.
  • body 2002 may define a slot to receive flange 154. If flange 154 is very short or not present in solar panel frame 150, first friction surface 2025 and second first surface 2028 may be moved to clamp to frame 150. In this regard, wire management clip 2000 may engage and be secured the sidewalls of solar panel frame 150.
  • wire management clip 2000 may define a hole 2001 that is configured to receive an accessory 10, such as for example, the wire management ties described in U.S. Serial No 18/384,165, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose.
  • wire management clip 1800 may define a hole 1801 that is configured to receive an accessory 10, such as for example, the wire management ties described in U.S. Serial No 18/384,165, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Abstract

Dans divers modes de réalisation, une attache de gestion de fil peut comprendre une attache de montage, une attache de fil et un mécanisme de verrouillage. L'attache de montage peut comprendre une attache externe et une attache interne. L'attache externe et l'attache interne peuvent être actionnables pour serrer un cadre (par exemple, un cadre de panneau solaire). L'attache de fil peut être couplée à l'une de l'attache interne et de l'attache externe. L'attache de fil peut comprendre une fente à fil. L'attache de fil peut être dimensionnée pour retenir un ou plusieurs fils dans la fente à fil. Le mécanisme de verrouillage peut être conçu pour retenir l'attache interne et l'attache externe sur le cadre.
PCT/US2025/014857 2024-02-06 2025-02-06 Attache de gestion de fils Pending WO2025171176A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463550349P 2024-02-06 2024-02-06
US63/550,349 2024-02-06
US202463656828P 2024-06-06 2024-06-06
US63/656,828 2024-06-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025171176A1 true WO2025171176A1 (fr) 2025-08-14

Family

ID=96700603

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2025/014857 Pending WO2025171176A1 (fr) 2024-02-06 2025-02-06 Attache de gestion de fils

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025171176A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110151703A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-23 Hubbell Incorporated Solar panel grounding connector
US20160118927A1 (en) * 2011-04-05 2016-04-28 Michael Zuritis Solar array support structure, mounting rail and method of installation thereof
US20180045335A1 (en) * 2016-08-09 2018-02-15 Hubbell Incorporated Wire Management Clips
US20200366238A1 (en) * 2017-07-07 2020-11-19 Sch Llc Photovoltaic Wire Management System
US20210359643A1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2021-11-18 Sunrun Inc. Cable holder assemblies for a solar panel system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110151703A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-23 Hubbell Incorporated Solar panel grounding connector
US20160118927A1 (en) * 2011-04-05 2016-04-28 Michael Zuritis Solar array support structure, mounting rail and method of installation thereof
US20180045335A1 (en) * 2016-08-09 2018-02-15 Hubbell Incorporated Wire Management Clips
US20200366238A1 (en) * 2017-07-07 2020-11-19 Sch Llc Photovoltaic Wire Management System
US20210359643A1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2021-11-18 Sunrun Inc. Cable holder assemblies for a solar panel system

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