Easy-opening solar collector having temperature-responsive mount for polymer absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar collectors require tools for opening and closing, and polymer absorbers experience stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to potential leaks or failure.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector housing with manually operated latches and a variable gate closure component that accommodates polymer absorber length changes, allowing for tool-free opening and closing while preventing stress on absorber tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastening members (screws, nuts, rivets) are used to secure the cover to the base, then the housing is securely closed, but tools are required and opening/closing time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static conventional fasteners with dynamic latches that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The latches are designed to be manually operable without tools, allowing rapid opening and closing of the housing while maintaining secure closure when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing closure system is segmented into multiple independent latches distributed around the perimeter of the frame. This segmentation allows each latch to be operated independently and enables parallel engagement/disengagement of multiple points, significantly reducing the total time required to open or close the housing compared to a single centralized fastening mechanism.
2Reliability
If fixed mounting positions are used for polymer absorber ends, then installation is simplified, but thermal expansion and contraction causes stress on absorber tubes leading to leaks or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed static positions to dynamic adjustable positions. The latches are designed to accommodate the expanding and contracting polymer absorber by allowing slight movements and adjustments in the mounting positions, thereby relieving stress on the absorber tubes while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system allows for parameter changes in the position and spacing of the latch engagement points. This enables the system to adapt to the changing length of the polymer absorber as it undergoes thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining reliable connection without transmitting excessive stress to the absorber tubes.
3Reliability
If polymer absorber length changes are accommodated, then stress on absorber tubes is reduced, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as securing mechanisms and as adaptive mounting positions for the polymer absorber. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions: securing the housing closure and simultaneously accommodating absorber length changes, thereby avoiding the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to automatically accommodate polymer absorber length changes through the inherent flexibility and adjustability of the latch mechanisms. The system serves itself by naturally adapting to thermal expansion and contraction without requiring external intervention or complex active control mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring stress-free operation.
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
Enables quick and easy manual operation of the solar collector housing without tools and reduces stress on absorber tubes by sliding components that adjust with temperature changes, ensuring efficient and stress-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
polymer absorbers used in some solar collectors are subject to significant length changes due to thermal expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
polymer absorbers used in some solar collectors are subject to significant length changes due to thermal expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.