Copper Alloy Nut for High-Thrust Solar Panel Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric linear actuators for solar panels require large structural volumes and are heavy due to the use of iron nuts that lack sufficient hardness to support large solar panels, leading to space inefficiency and transportation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficiency high-thrust electric linear actuator utilizing a copper alloy nut with specific composition (75-82% Cu, 9-10% Zn, 5-6% Pb, and additional elements) is used in a screw group, allowing for a smaller structure that can support large solar panels with improved strength and toughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If iron nuts are used in the screw group, then the actuator can support solar panels, but the nut lacks sufficient hardness to bear high pressure and may fracture easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the nut from iron to copper alloy (specifically containing Cu, Zn, Pb, Sn, and other elements in defined proportions). This material substitution fundamentally alters the hardness, strength, and pressure-bearing characteristics of the nut, enabling it to withstand high loads without fracturing while maintaining reliability in supporting large solar panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite copper alloy material comprising multiple elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Sn, and trace elements) in specific proportions. This composite material structure provides superior mechanical properties including high hardness, excellent toughness, and enhanced fatigue resistance, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability in the nut component.
2Force
If large volume nuts and tube structures are used to support large solar panels, then sufficient thrust is provided, but the actuator occupies large space and is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameters from iron to copper alloy, the patent achieves higher strength-to-weight ratio. The copper alloy nut provides sufficient thrust force to support large solar panels while being lighter and more compact than traditional iron nut designs, thereby reducing the overall actuator weight and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tube structure into inner and outer tubes with specific dimensional relationships. The inner tube is inserted within the outer tube, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall volume while maintaining the structural integrity and thrust capability needed to support large solar panels.
3Force
If large volume nuts and tube structures are used to support large solar panels, then sufficient thrust is provided, but the actuator is heavy resulting in inconvenience in transportation and use
Solution Approach 1:
The material substitution from iron to copper alloy fundamentally changes the weight parameter of the nut and overall actuator. The copper alloy provides equivalent or superior thrust force while significantly reducing weight, making the actuator easier to transport and handle during installation and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with inner and outer tubes allows for a more compact and lighter overall structure. This segmentation enables the actuator to maintain sufficient thrust capability while reducing total mass, thereby improving transportation convenience and ease of operation for large solar panel installations.
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
The copper alloy nut enhances the actuator's strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance, enabling a smaller, high-thrust electric linear actuator that occupies less space and is more convenient for transportation and use.
Implementation Method 1
The copper alloy nut contains, by weight percentage: 75% to 82% of Cu, 9% to 10% of Zn, 5% to 6% of Pb, 3% to 4% of Sn
Implementation Method 2
The copper alloy nut further contains, by weight percentage: 0.004% of Mg, 0.003% of S, 0.004% of Cr, 0.006% of Co, 0.009% of Bi, 0.004% of As, and 0.001% of Cd
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of linear actuators, and in particular, to a high-efficiency high-thrust electric linear actuator for a solar panel. Compared with a conventional electric linear actuator, in the electric linear actuator for a solar panel of the present invention, a drive nut on a screw uses a copper alloy nut. The copper alloy nut used in the present invention greatly improves the strength, toughness, and fatigue-resistance performance and has high hardness and high tensile strength. The copper alloy nut and the corresponding screw are used in combination to bear higher pressure and do not fracture easily. Therefore, a small-structure high-thrust electric linear actuator can be realized. An electric linear actuator having a smaller volume is used to support the solar panel, so that small space is occupied, and transportation and use become more convenient.