Flexible tracking bracket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic flexible brackets have fixed angles relative to the ground, limiting radiation intake and power generation, and existing driving devices lack stability and precision due to inadequate load-bearing capacity, leading to premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tracking bracket with rotating beams, bearing cables, and a worm-gear rotary drive that adjusts tilt angles, features a compact structure, and enhances load-bearing capacity through shared lateral forces and diagonal cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed flexible brackets are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the photovoltaic modules cannot track the sun's azimuth resulting in less radiation received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed bracket structure into a dynamic tracking system by introducing rotating beams that can change their angle relative to the ground. The rotating beams are driven by driving devices that enable them to rotate and track the sun's azimuth, allowing the photovoltaic modules to dynamically adjust their orientation for optimal radiation reception throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure is divided into multiple independent rotating beam units, each capable of independent rotation. This segmentation allows each beam to be controlled separately by individual driving devices, enabling precise tracking while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Reliability
If driving devices are mounted on a mounting seat at the top of the columns, then the installation is simple, but the devices cannot withstand large axial tension resulting in reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function into the base structure itself. The bases are equipped with driving devices that are integrated directly into the base, eliminating the need for separate mounting seats. This integration allows the base to directly support and drive the rotating beams while withstanding the axial tension forces through its robust construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is extended vertically by adding first and second support plates that are vertically arranged on two sides of the base plate. This three-dimensional mounting structure provides enhanced load-bearing capacity in multiple directions, allowing the driving devices to withstand both axial tension and lateral forces simultaneously.
3Strength
If the steel cables exert substantial tension on the beam, then the flexible bearing body can support large loads, but the driving stability and precision of rotation angle are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional mounting structure with first and second support plates vertically arranged on two sides of the base plate. This multi-dimensional structure distributes the tension forces from the steel cables across multiple support points and directions, reducing the concentration of stress on any single beam and thereby improving rotation angle precision while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving devices are positioned close to the first support plate while the rotating beams are positioned close to the second support plate, creating optimized local force distribution zones. This arrangement ensures that the bearing cables exert tension on the beams at optimal points, minimizing interference with the driving mechanism's precision while still supporting large loads.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are arranged externally, then the installation flexibility is high, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the driving devices and rotating beams within the receiving cavity formed by the base plate and support plates. This nested arrangement integrates multiple components into a compact internal structure, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining installation flexibility. The components are arranged in a space-efficient manner that simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance.
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 flexible tracking bracket improves environmental adaptability, reduces material costs, and ensures stable, efficient power generation with low maintenance by adapting to complex terrains and enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary drive comprises the housing and a worm-gear mechanism arranged within the housing, and the worm-gear mechanism comprises a worm and a worm wheel meshing with the worm
Implementation Method 2
the flexible bearing bodies, comprising at least two bearing cables, wherein each end of each bearing cable is connected between two adjacent rotating beams
Implementation Method 3
a motor mounted on the housing, wherein the motor is used to drive the rotating body to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tracking bracket, comprising: columns (1), wherein multiple columns are spaced apart on a base surface; bases (2), provided on top of each column; rotating beams (3), pivotally arranged on the bases; flexible bearing bodies, comprising at least two bearing cables (41) each connected between two adjacent rotating beams, and used to support photovoltaic modules (13); driving devices (5), provided at each base. The driving device comprises a driving end, which is connected to a corresponding rotating beam. Multiple driving devices synchronously drive the corresponding rotating beams to rotate. The disclosure has a well-engineered configuration, a compact structure, and is easy to install or maintain, and is not prone to jamming. It also has a reverse self-locking function, which allows the flexible bracket to have an angle adjustment function, improving the power generation efficiency and profitability of photovoltaic power plants.