Flex has filed a patent for a solar power system that includes a mounting assembly with rails, framed solar modules, and clips to secure the modules to the rails. The clips have sidewalls with slots, recesses, and locking members, and may establish an electrical grounding connection between the module frame and the rail. GlobalData’s report on Flex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Flex, photovoltaic roof tiles was a key innovation area identified from patents. Flex's grant share as of September 2023 was 40%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Solar power system with clip for securing solar module

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Flex Ltd

A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230287915A1) describes a clip designed for mounting solar modules to a railing system. The clip consists of a top plate with a first and second sidewall extending downwardly from opposite sides. The first and second sidewalls have upper and lower portions separated by a slot and a recess, with at least one edge or the recess being serrated. A rear wall is connected to one of the sidewalls and includes a rear slit.

The clip also includes a front face extending downward from the top plate, which may connect to one of the sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls are generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top plate and rear wall. The edges of the slots in the sidewalls are coplanar with the top plate and extend distally from the recess at an acute angle. The locking members are positioned on the lower distal end portions of the sidewalls and extend towards the upper portions.

Additionally, the clip may have a rear aperture positioned between the top plate and the rear wall. The patent claims that the clip is a one-piece design.

In summary, the patent describes a clip specifically designed for mounting solar modules to a railing system. The clip features a unique design with serrated edges, slots, recesses, and locking members. It is a one-piece clip that provides secure attachment of solar modules to the railing system. The clip's design allows for easy installation and ensures stability and durability.

To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Flex, buy the report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.