Compliant Solar Tracker Structure Without Joints or Sliding Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar tracking systems are costly, unreliable in dusty environments, and occupy a large volume due to their mechanical jointed structures, which increases transportation and wind load costs and reduces aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A light tracking device using two parallel support members connected by resilient flexible beams that deform to generate rotational displacement, allowing for sun tracking without joints or sliding contacts, and incorporating passive structural elements to control distance and prevent beam overextension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical jointed structures are used for solar tracking, then tracking function is achieved, but device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical jointed structures with a flexible beam mechanism that uses elastic deformation to achieve rotational motion. The flexible beam bends and deforms elastically to convert linear actuator motion into rotational tracking motion, eliminating the need for mechanical joints, bearings, and sliding contacts that cause complexity and reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible beam as the core structural element that utilizes elastic deformation to enable rotational displacement. This flexible beam acts as a compliant mechanism that bends and deforms to achieve the required tracking angles without rigid mechanical joints, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If mechanical jointed structures are used for solar tracking, then tracking function is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical jointed structures with a flexible beam mechanism that uses elastic deformation to achieve rotational motion. The flexible beam bends and deforms elastically to convert linear actuator motion into rotational tracking motion, eliminating the need for mechanical joints, bearings, and sliding contacts that cause complexity and reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If large angle range tracking is implemented, then sun tracking capability is improved, but volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking rangeVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves large angular displacement through the bending deformation of the flexible beam in a different dimensional space rather than through large linear movements. The beam's elastic deformation allows significant rotational travel within a compact footprint, reducing the overall volume occupied by the tracking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces component count and assembly complexity, enhances reliability, and allows for low-cost, scalable manufacturing, enabling a low-profile solar tracking system that effectively tracks the sun's motion with reduced maintenance concerns and improved aesthetic and transportation advantages.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which elastically deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8941043B2Device for driving a light receiving element to track a light source

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 CHITENDAI LTD

AI summary

A light tracking device comprising first and second support members and at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members. The first and second support members are arranged such that relative translational displacement of the members generates rotational displacement of the element. One or more resilient flexible beams may comprise spiral arms extending from the first to the second support members.