Drive with integrated inclination sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for sun-tracking solar collectors are costly due to the need for separate weatherproof housings and connections for inclinometers, which increase hardware and labor expenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclinometer into the motor housing and connecting it directly to the motor controller circuit board eliminates the need for additional weatherproofing and cable connections, reducing costs by integrating the sensor within the motor's weatherproof enclosure and eliminating separate circuit boards and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inclinometer is placed on a solar collection device with separate weatherproof housing and connections, then angle sensing capability is achieved, but hardware cost and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inclinometer sensor, its weatherproof housing, and electrical connections into an integrated assembly that is mounted directly within the motor housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate weatherproof housing and external cable connections for the inclinometer, thereby reducing hardware costs and installation labor while maintaining angle sensing capability in outdoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the motor, the controller circuit board, and now also accommodates the inclinometer assembly. This multi-functional use of the motor housing space eliminates the need for additional dedicated weatherproof housing for the sensor, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Measurement precision
If an inclinometer is connected to a separate controller with cable connections, then angle feedback is achieved, but electrical connections and mounting complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclinometer's electrical connections are integrated directly with the controller circuit board through a unified mounting structure. The sensor assembly includes electrical contacts that interface directly with the controller, eliminating the need for separate cable connectors and wiring harnesses, thereby simplifying the electrical connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The inclinometer is nested within the motor housing assembly, with its electrical connections nested into the controller circuit board interface. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be housed within the existing motor enclosure while maintaining direct electrical integration with the controller, reducing the need for external cable connections and mounting hardware
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 integration significantly reduces hardware and labor costs by eliminating the need for separate weatherproof housings and connections, while maintaining precise angle sensing and control for sun-tracking solar collectors.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated inclination sensor that reduces the cost of installation and/or hardware of such a system
Data Source
AI summary
A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.