Adjustable Screw-Coupled Solar Panel Support for Non-Flat Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for solar panels are not suitable for non-flat ground surfaces, as they either require drilling into the ground or are designed for flat roofs and cannot be adjusted to maximize energy capture due to fixed orientations.
Innovation Solution
A construction element with an adjustable screw connection between a bottom support and an upright, allowing the upright to be tilted and rotated relative to the bottom support, enabling optimal positioning of solar panels on non-flat ground without drilling, and suitable for use on both non-flat ground and flat roofs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support structures are anchored by drilling into the ground, then stability against wind is improved, but the method cannot be used when ground is contaminated or archaeological objects are expected
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate components: a bottom support that rests on the ground surface and an upright that is coupled to it. This segmentation allows the structure to be installed without drilling into the ground, making it suitable for contaminated or archaeologically sensitive areas while still providing stability through the weighted bottom support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom support acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the upright. It distributes the load over a larger area and provides a stable base without requiring penetration into the ground, thus enabling installation on sensitive ground conditions while maintaining structural stability.
2Reliability
If support structures are weighted for flat roofs, then stability against wind is improved, but they are unsuitable for use on non-flat ground
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the bottom support and upright is made adjustable through a screw connection mechanism. This dynamic coupling allows the upright to be tilted and rotated to achieve the desired orientation on non-flat ground surfaces, while the weighted bottom support maintains stability against wind forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameters of the upright (tilt angle and rotation angle) can be adjusted to adapt to varying ground conditions. The screw connection enables changing these parameters to maximize energy capture while maintaining stability on non-flat surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If uprights are fixed in orientation, then manufacturing is simplified, but solar panels cannot be positioned at optimal angles for energy capture
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is designed with adjustable orientation through a screw connection to the bottom support. This allows the tilt angle and rotation angle to be modified to optimize solar panel positioning for energy capture, while the basic structure remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it simplifies assembly by allowing easy adjustment of the upright orientation, enables optimization of energy capture by positioning panels at optimal angles, and adapts to various ground conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and energy efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to a construction element for a support structure for solar panels, bottom support and upright for forming thereof, and corresponding support structure. The construction element comprises: - an upright; and - a bottom support for weighting the construction element, which bottom support comprises on its upper side a recess for the purpose of receiving the lower outer end of the upright, wherein coupling means are provided round the recess for the purpose of forming an adjustable screw connection between the upright and the bottom support; wherein a lower part of the upright is provided on its outer wall with one or more edge parts situated some distance from the lower outer end of the upright, wherein openings are provided in the one or more edge parts for the purpose of receiving threaded ends of the screw connection.