Clamp-Based Solar Tracker Shaft Support to Replace Welded Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for solar trackers with welded attachments are costly and complex, slowing manufacturing and complicating installation and assembly due to the use of hinges and welded parts.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a clamp comprising a lower clamp section and opposite side clamp sections, connected via screws and hooks, allowing for clamping and adjustment without hinges, fabricated using sheet metal stamping for simplified assembly and increased production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded attachments are used in the support device, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welded attachments with mechanical fastening elements (screws, bolts, and clamps) to join the clamp sections to the support plate. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, thereby increasing production speed and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity through proven mechanical connection methods.
2Stability of the object's composition
If welded attachments and hinges are used in the support device, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple separate sections (first clamp section, second clamp section, third clamp section) that are independently formed and then mechanically assembled using fastening elements. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex welded attachments and hinges, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural stability through the distributed fastening system.
3Strength
If welded attachments are used in the support device, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive welded attachments with standard mechanical fastening elements (screws, bolts, and clamps) that can be easily manufactured and assembled. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity through proven mechanical connection methods that are both strong and reversible.
4Strength
If hinges and welded parts are used in the support device, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation and assembly tasks become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple separate sections that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation, combined with the use of simple mechanical fastening elements instead of welded attachments and hinges, greatly simplifies installation and assembly tasks while maintaining structural strength through the distributed fastening system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6A
AI summary
The support device for a rotating shaft of a solar tracker comprises a support plate (2) fixed to an upper end of a support column (1), and a clamp (3) comprising a lower clamp section (4) with a foot (7) fixed to the support plate (2) by means of screws (43) and an arcuate seat (9) for a bearing (52), and first and second opposite side clamp sections (5, 6) having upper ends at which there are arranged respective connecting elements (10, 11) connectable in an articulated manner to one another and lower ends at which there are arranged respective fixing and clamping elements (12, 13) configured for fitting onto the foot (7) and for being tightened against one another and against the lower clamp section (4) by means of a tightening screw (14).