Solar apparent motion demonstration instrument
By designing a solar apparent motion demonstrator with components such as a support frame, a ground plane plate, and a circular track, the problem of insufficient functionality or complex operation of existing demonstrators has been solved. This demonstrator achieves accurate simulation and intuitive display of solar apparent motion, thereby improving teaching effectiveness and student participation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423057557.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing solar apparent motion demonstrators are either simple in structure and lack complete functions or have complex structures that make them difficult to operate and meet teaching needs. They cannot effectively and dynamically demonstrate the process of solar apparent motion, resulting in low student participation.
A solar apparent motion demonstrator was designed, comprising a support frame, a ground plane plate, an adjustment frame, a ring track, and a sphere. It simulates the apparent motion of the sun through simple operation, and is equipped with multiple ring tracks and indicators. It can simulate the apparent motion azimuth of the sun and the noon solar altitude angle at different times on the equinoxes and solstices of any latitude, providing an intuitive physical demonstration.
It achieves accurate simulation and intuitive display of the apparent motion of the sun, enhances teaching effectiveness, increases student participation and interest in understanding, and is suitable for global geography teaching.
Smart Images
Figure CN223624680U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of teaching instrument technology, specifically to a solar motion demonstrator. Background Technology
[0002] In geography teaching, knowledge related to Earth's movements is both a key focus and a challenge, with the apparent motion of the sun being particularly crucial. This includes the movement of the sun's direct rays, the changing patterns of the noon sun's altitude angle, and the variations in day and night length. This knowledge is abstract and complex, demanding a high level of spatial and logical thinking from students. Relying solely on textbooks and teacher explanations presents a significant challenge for students to understand and master.
[0003] There are many common teaching aids for geography, such as using traditional globes and celestial globes to demonstrate the apparent motion of the sun. However, these methods are not intuitive enough and fail to dynamically showcase the process. Multimedia simulations can also be used, but while they offer dynamic demonstrations, they lack the hands-on experience, limiting student participation. Furthermore, existing solar motion demonstrators suffer from two problems: first, simple demonstrators have limited functionality and cannot meet teaching requirements; second, while complex demonstrators offer more functions, their operation is cumbersome and inconvenient for teaching. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model proposes a solar motion demonstrator, which solves the problems of incomplete functionality or inconvenient operation caused by the simple structure of solar motion demonstrators in related technologies.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0006] Solar apparent motion demonstrator, including:
[0007] support;
[0008] A ground plane plate is mounted on the support.
[0009] An adjustment frame is rotatably mounted on the ground plane plate, and the rotation axis of the adjustment frame is located on the ground plane plate.
[0010] A circular track is provided on the adjustment frame;
[0011] The second sphere is slidably positioned on the annular track.
[0012] Optionally, the ground plane plate has a through groove in the middle, which divides the ground plane plate into two equal parts, and further includes:
[0013] A fixed shaft is disposed on the ground plane plate and is located in the through groove. The adjusting frame is rotatably disposed on the fixed shaft.
[0014] Optional, also includes:
[0015] The pointer is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft at one end, and the angle between the pointer and the ground plane is 0°-180°.
[0016] Optional, also includes:
[0017] The protractor is circular, with its center located on the fixed axis, and is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the adjustment frame.
[0018] Optionally, the adjustment bracket includes:
[0019] The connecting rod has a through hole in the middle, and the through hole is sleeved on the fixed shaft;
[0020] An arc-shaped guide rail has an arc-shaped groove, through which the arc-shaped guide rail is slidably mounted on the bracket.
[0021] Optional, also includes:
[0022] A first sphere is disposed at one end of the connecting rod. The first sphere represents the North Star, and the second sphere represents the Sun.
[0023] Optionally, there are several annular tracks, and the several annular tracks are arranged in parallel at intervals on the arc-shaped guide rail.
[0024] Optional, also includes:
[0025] A compass is installed on the ground plane plate to indicate the placement direction of the ground plane plate.
[0026] Optional, also includes:
[0027] The lamp tube is detachably mounted on the annular track and is used to provide a point light source.
[0028] Optionally, both the ground plane plate and the annular track are provided with scales for indicating direction.
[0029] The working principle and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0030] In this invention, the design of the solar apparent motion demonstrator fully considers user convenience. Through simple steps, it can simulate the apparent motion of the sun at different times on the equinoxes and solstices at any latitude, as well as measure the noon solar altitude angle, making the teaching demonstration process smoother and more efficient. Through a physical model display, students can directly observe the sun's movement patterns at different times and latitudes, as well as the changes in the length and direction of shadows, helping to form an intuitive spatial concept. The demonstrator can be adjusted according to the latitude of different regions, making it suitable for geographical teaching needs worldwide, and possessing strong versatility and practicality. The solar apparent motion demonstrator is designed and manufactured strictly according to the scientific principles of solar apparent motion, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the demonstration results. Furthermore, it can simulate the apparent motion of the sun at different times on the equinoxes and solstices at any latitude, roughly measure the noon solar altitude angle on the equinoxes and solstices at any latitude, and demonstrate the changing patterns of the length and direction of shadows on the equinoxes and solstices at any latitude. Attached Figure Description
[0031] The preferred embodiments will be described below in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to further explain the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages and implementation methods of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the demonstrator of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a front view of the demonstrator of this utility model;
[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second-view structure of the present invention's demonstrator;
[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle.
[0036] In the diagram: 1. Ground plane plate; 101. Through groove; 2. Support; 201. U-shaped frame; 202. Column; 203. Base; 3. Adjustment frame; 301. Arc-shaped guide rail; 3011. Arc-shaped groove; 302. Connecting rod; 3021. Through hole; 4. First sphere; 5. Circular track; 501. First circular track; 502. Second circular track; 6. Protractor; 7. Lamp tube; 8. Second sphere; 9. Compass; 10. Pointer; 11. Fixed shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.
[0038] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown schematically in each drawing; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "a" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."
[0039] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0040] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0041] Reference Figures 1-4 As an embodiment of this utility model, a solar motion demonstrator is proposed, comprising: a support 2; a ground plane plate 1 disposed on the support 2; an adjustment frame 3 rotatably disposed on the ground plane plate 1, the rotation axis of the adjustment frame 3 being located on the ground plane plate 1; an annular track 5 disposed on the adjustment frame 3, the annular track 5 being located outside the ground plane plate 1; and a second sphere 8 slidably disposed on the annular track 5.
[0042] In the above scheme, the support 2 is made of sturdy metal to ensure stability, and the ground plane plate 1 is made of iron plate with a flat surface, fixed to the top surface of the support 2 by welding or screws. The adjustment frame 3 is rotatably connected to the ground plane plate 1 via a pivot, allowing for flexible rotation but with high friction. When the adjustment frame 3 is manually stopped, it can stop immediately. The annular track 5 is welded to the adjustment frame 3. The first sphere 4 is set at one end of the adjustment frame 3, representing the North Star; the second sphere 8 is slidably set on the annular track 5, representing the Sun. The first sphere 4, representing the North Star, is fixed to one end of the adjustment frame 3 by adhesive or nesting with a white plastic ball. The second sphere 8, representing the Sun, is a red plastic ball with an internal slider or roller for smooth sliding.
[0043] Working Process: Place the demonstrator on a horizontal table. Rotate the adjustment frame 3 to simulate different latitudes according to teaching needs. Because the adjustment frame 3 is rotatably connected to the ground plane plate 1, the altitude angle of Polaris can be easily adjusted to determine the observation latitude. Then, place the second sphere 8, representing the sun, on the circular track 5. Slide its position according to the movement pattern of the sun's direct point to simulate the changes in the sun's position in different seasons. Students can intuitively observe the changes in the sun's azimuth. Using a physical model to demonstrate abstract knowledge enhances the intuitiveness of teaching, helps students understand complex concepts, reduces learning difficulty, and increases learning interest and enthusiasm. The simple structure facilitates teacher operation and demonstration, as well as student hands-on operation, enhancing participation.
[0044] Furthermore, the ground plane plate 1 has a through groove 101 in the middle, which divides the ground plane plate 1 into two equal parts. It also includes a fixed shaft 11, which is set on the ground plane plate 1 and is located in the through groove 101. The adjusting frame 3 is rotatably set on the fixed shaft 11.
[0045] In the above scheme, when adjusting the demonstrator to simulate different latitudes, the adjustment frame 3 is manually rotated around the fixed axis 11. Teachers or students can accurately rotate the adjustment frame 3 to the corresponding local latitude angle according to the teaching content.
[0046] Furthermore, it also includes: one end of the pointer 10 is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 11, the angle between the pointer 10 and the ground plane plate 1 is 0°-180°, and the other end of the pointer 10 extends to the outside of the ground plane plate 1.
[0047] In the above scheme, when the adjusting frame 3 rotates, it keeps the pointer 10 stationary. After the adjusting frame 3 is adjusted, the pointer 10 will point to the corresponding circular track. For example, when simulating the summer solstice when the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, the pointer 10 will point to the corresponding scale or angle mark, allowing students to clearly understand the solar altitude angle and solar azimuth angle.
[0048] Furthermore, it also includes: a circular protractor 6, the center of which is located on the fixed shaft 11, and the protractor 6 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the adjustment frame 3. The protractor 6 is used to measure the deflection angle of the pointer 10, and also to measure the deflection angle of the adjustment frame 3.
[0049] In the above scheme, the protractor 6 is made of transparent plastic. When adjusting the adjustment frame 3, the protractor 6 can display the deflection angle of the adjustment frame 3. When adjusting the pointer 10, the protractor 6 can also display the corrected deflection angle, so as to intuitively observe the height angle of the first sphere 4 and the second sphere 8. The pointer 10 and the connecting rod 302 can be set on either side of the protractor 6. The shape and size of the protractor 6 and the ground plane plate 1 in this device are not limited to the styles shown in the attached drawings. For example, the ground plane plate 1 can be circular, polygonal, or rhomboid.
[0050] Furthermore, the support 2 includes: a base 203; a U-shaped frame 201 disposed on the base 203, and a ground plane plate 1 disposed on the U-shaped frame 201; one end of the column 202 is disposed at the bottom of the U-shaped frame 201, and the other end is disposed on the base 203.
[0051] In the above design, the bottom of the base 203 is equipped with a rubber pad to prevent slippage. The U-shaped frame 201 is fixed to the base 203 by welding or bolting. The column 202 is an iron cylinder with a rust-proof surface treatment, and its two ends are welded or threaded to the U-shaped frame and the base 203, respectively. The ground plane 1 is fixed to the U-shaped frame 201 with screws or slots, making installation convenient and stable. The bracket 2 serves as the support structure for the demonstrator, maintaining stability during use. The U-shaped frame 201 provides a horizontal installation platform for the ground plane 1, ensuring its levelness. The column 202 supports the U-shaped frame 201 and also plays a stabilizing role, preventing it from wobbling. During installation and adjustment, the base 203 is placed first, followed by the column 202, U-shaped frame, and ground plane 1, ensuring that the components are tightly connected.
[0052] Furthermore, the adjusting frame 3 includes: a connecting rod 302 with a through hole 3021 in the middle, the through hole 3021 being sleeved on the fixed shaft 11, and a first ball 4 being disposed at one end of the connecting rod 302; an arc-shaped guide rail 301 with an arc-shaped groove 3011, and a column 202 passing through and slidingly disposed in the arc-shaped groove 3011.
[0053] In the above scheme, when simulating the apparent motion of the sun at different latitudes, the connecting rod 302 is manually rotated around the fixed axis 11 to adjust the altitude angle of Polaris and simulate the changes in Polaris altitude at different latitudes. For example, when simulating high-latitude regions, rotating the connecting rod 302 increases the altitude angle of Polaris, causing the arc-shaped guide rail 301 to slide upwards; the opposite is true when simulating low-latitude regions.
[0054] Furthermore, there are several annular tracks 5, all of which are arranged parallel to each other on the arc-shaped guide rail 301. Each annular track 5 includes: a first annular track 501, located in the middle of the arc-shaped guide rail 301, with its radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod 302; several second annular tracks 502, symmetrically arranged about the first annular track 501, and coaxially arranged with the first annular track 501; and a second sphere 8 is slidably disposed on each first annular track 501 and each second annular track 502.
[0055] In the above scheme, two second annular tracks 502 are provided, symmetrically arranged about the first annular track 501, with each second annular track 502 being equidistant from the first annular track 501. The first annular track 501 is fixed to the middle of the arc-shaped guide rail 301 by welding or screws, ensuring a stable position. When demonstrating the apparent motion of the sun, the second sphere 8, representing the sun, is placed on the corresponding annular track according to the teaching content. For example, to simulate the equinoxes and solstices, the second sphere 8 is placed on tracks representing the spring equinox, autumn equinox, and summer solstice (or winter solstice), and its position is manually slid to simulate the sun's trajectory at different times. Students can observe the changes in the sun's position relative to Polaris and the horizon, as well as the changes in altitude and azimuth angles, in different seasons and at different times, compare the differences in the sun's trajectory in different seasons, and understand the movement pattern of the direct point.
[0056] The circular track 5 features a rich array of demonstrator functions, accurately simulating the apparent motion trajectory of the sun at different seasons and times. Multiple track settings visually demonstrate the movement and related changes of the direct point of sunlight, making abstract concepts easy to understand. By manipulating the second sphere 8, users can grasp the complexity of the sun's apparent motion, increasing interest and participation, and cultivating spatial and logical thinking skills.
[0057] Furthermore, it also includes: a compass 9 is set on the ground plane plate 1 to indicate the placement direction of the ground plane plate 1.
[0058] In the above scheme, before using the demonstrator, observe the direction of the compass needle 9 (point 10), adjust the ground plane plate 1 to the correct orientation, and ensure that needle 10 points north. This serves as the demonstrator's directional reference, and subsequent simulations of the sun's apparent motion will use this as a reference. During the demonstration, when changing the angle of the adjustment frame 3 or sliding the position of the second sphere 8, follow the direction of the compass needle 9 to help students understand the relationship between the sun's apparent motion and the Earth's direction. For example, when simulating changes in the sun's azimuth angle, observe the changes in the sun's angle relative to north using the direction of the compass needle 9.
[0059] Furthermore, it also includes: the lamp tube 7 is detachably mounted on the first annular track 501 and the second annular track 502, and the lamp tube 7 is used to provide a point light source.
[0060] In the above scheme, the lamp tube 7 is equipped with a high-brightness LED bulb, emitting a point light source. It is detachably fixed to the first and second annular tracks 501 and 502 using magnets or clips. For example, a small magnet can be installed at the bottom, and iron plates can be placed at corresponding positions on the tracks to achieve quick installation and disassembly. When simulating phenomena such as shadows cast by sunlight during demonstrations, the lamp tube 7 is installed on the annular track containing the second sphere 8 representing the sun. The light is turned on, and the position of the lamp tube 7 is adjusted to simulate changes in the direction and intensity of sunlight. For example, to simulate sunrise, the lamp tube 7 is moved to the east side of the track to observe the changes in the shadows of objects on the ground. As time progresses, the lamp tube 7 is moved westward to simulate the sun's movement, allowing students to understand the relationship between the sun's apparent motion and the length of day and night, as well as changes in shadows.
[0061] Beneficial effects: The Lamp Tube 7 enhances the demonstration function, making the demonstration more vivid and engaging. Using a point light source to simulate sunlight allows students to observe changes in shadows, deepening their understanding of the relationship between the apparent motion of the sun and phenomena on the Earth's surface. The detachable design allows teachers to use Lamp Tube 7 flexibly according to their teaching needs, increasing its practicality.
[0062] Furthermore, the ground plane plate 1, the first annular track 501, and the second annular track 502 are all equipped with scales for indicating direction.
[0063] In the above scheme, the scale markings on the ground plane plate 1 are made using engraving or printing techniques, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and wear resistance. These markings are radially distributed from the center, indicating direction and angle. The scale markings on the first and second circular tracks 501 and 502 are also clearly marked. During the demonstration, when the angle of the adjustment frame 3 is changed or the position of the second sphere 8 is slid, students can accurately read the altitude angle of Polaris, the azimuth angle of the sun, and their positional changes by observing the scale markings on the ground plane plate 1 and the circular tracks. For example, to simulate the noon solar altitude angle on the summer solstice, the angle of the adjustment frame 3 is determined by the pointer 10 pointing to the protractor 6 scale, while the solar azimuth angle is determined by the scale markings on the ground plane plate 1. When the second sphere 8 slides on the circular track, its positional changes are observed according to the track scale markings, thus understanding the apparent motion of the sun.
[0064] The specific usage method is as follows:
[0065] I. How to simulate the apparent motion of the sun at different times on the equinoxes and solstices at any latitude.
[0066] 1. Adjust the base 203 according to the compass 9 so that the direction on the ground plane plate 1 is consistent with the direction of the compass 9.
[0067] 2. Adjust the altitude of Polaris according to the local latitude so that its altitude matches the local latitude. At this point, the three circular orbits represent the sun's trajectory on the equinox.
[0068] II. How to measure the noon solar altitude angle at any latitude on the equinoxes and solstices.
[0069] 1. Adjust the base 203 according to the compass 9 so that the direction on the ground plane plate 1 is consistent with the direction of the compass 9.
[0070] 2. Adjust the altitude of Polaris according to the local latitude so that it matches the local latitude. When the red pointer 10 points to the highest point on the three circular orbits, the reading at that point is the noon solar altitude for that date.
[0071] III. How to demonstrate the changing patterns of shadow length and direction at any latitude on the equinoxes and solstices.
[0072] 1. Adjust the base 203 according to the compass 9 so that the direction on the ground plane plate 1 is consistent with the direction of the compass 9.
[0073] 2. Adjust the altitude of Polaris according to the local latitude so that it matches the local latitude. Place a person or object on the ground plane on three circular tracks; a shadow will appear. Adjust the position of the point light source and observe and record the pattern of the shadow's length and direction.
[0074] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A solar apparent motion demonstrator, characterized in that, include: Support (2); The ground plane plate (1) is mounted on the support (2); An adjustment frame (3) is rotatably mounted on the ground plane plate (1), and the rotation axis of the adjustment frame (3) is located on the ground plane plate (1); A circular track (5) is mounted on the adjustment frame (3); The second sphere (8) is slidably mounted on the annular track (5).
2. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground plane plate (1) has a through groove (101) in the middle, which divides the ground plane plate (1) into two equal parts, and also includes: A fixed shaft (11) is set on the ground plane plate (1), and the fixed shaft (11) is located in the through groove (101). The adjustment frame (3) is rotatably set on the fixed shaft (11).
3. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The pointer (10) is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft (11) at one end, and the angle between the pointer (10) and the ground plane plate (1) is 0°-180°.
4. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The protractor (6) is circular, and the center of the protractor (6) is located on the fixed shaft (11). The protractor (6) is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the adjustment frame (3).
5. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjusting frame (3) includes: The connecting rod (302) has a through hole (3021) in the middle, and the through hole (3021) is sleeved on the fixed shaft (11); The arc-shaped guide rail (301) has an arc-shaped groove (3011), and the arc-shaped guide rail (301) is slidably disposed on the bracket (2) through the arc-shaped groove (3011).
6. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The first sphere (4) is disposed at one end of the connecting rod (302), the first sphere (4) is used to represent the North Star, and the second sphere (8) is used to represent the Sun.
7. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 6, characterized in that, There are several annular tracks (5), and the several annular tracks (5) are arranged in parallel at intervals on the arc-shaped guide rail (301).
8. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A compass (9) is placed on the ground plane plate (1) to indicate the placement direction of the ground plane plate (1).
9. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The lamp tube (7) is detachably mounted on the annular track (5) and is used to provide a point light source.
10. The solar apparent motion demonstrator according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the ground plane plate (1) and the circular track (5) are provided with scales for indicating direction.