Rotary Bracket Coupling for Floating PV Wave Displacement

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional floating photovoltaic systems face challenges with connecting individual units due to vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements caused by waves and wind, leading to frequent damage and short lifespan of connecting members.

Innovation Solution

A rotary bracket system that connects individual units with a first and second coupling member, allowing for vertical and horizontal displacement, and rotational movement, using c-shaped end portions and cross-coupling parts made from metal plate materials, with a bolt system for stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple connecting member in the form of a single rod is used to connect individual units, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the connecting members are easily damaged by vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements caused by waves and wind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into multiple functional segments: a first coupling member with a first coupling hole for vertical connection, a second coupling member with a second coupling hole for horizontal connection, and a rotationally movable joint between them. This segmentation allows each part to handle specific displacement types independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure transitions from a rigid single-rod design to a dynamic multi-component system that can adapt its configuration. The second coupling member is designed to rotate relative to the first coupling member, enabling the connecting assembly to dynamically adjust to vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements caused by environmental factors like waves and wind.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional connecting members are used to connect individual units, then the device complexity is minimized, but the duration of action deteriorates because frequent replacement and repair are necessary due to damage from displacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidduration of action

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into multiple functional segments: a first coupling member with a first coupling hole for vertical connection, a second coupling member with a second coupling hole for horizontal connection, and a rotationally movable joint between them. This segmentation allows each part to handle specific displacement types independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure transitions from a rigid single-rod design to a dynamic multi-component system that can adapt its configuration. The second coupling member is designed to rotate relative to the first coupling member, enabling the connecting assembly to dynamically adjust to vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements caused by environmental factors like waves and wind.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If individual units are connected on a water surface subject to waves and wind, then the floating photovoltaic system can be installed over a wide area, but the stability of the connection deteriorates due to constant vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation areaVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure transitions from a rigid single-rod design to a dynamic multi-component system that can adapt its configuration. The second coupling member is designed to rotate relative to the first coupling member, enabling the connecting assembly to dynamically adjust to vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements caused by environmental factors like waves and wind.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure's degrees of freedom are changed to match the displacement parameters. The system now has rotational freedom around the first coupling hole axis and rotational freedom of the second coupling member, allowing it to accommodate vertical displacement, horizontal displacement, and rotational displacement without compromising connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3709506B1Floating photovoltaic system

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 SCOTRA CORP

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a floating photovoltaic system and, particularly, the floating photovoltaic system provided over a wide area on water comprises a rotary bracket for providing a connection between units, the rotary bracket being capable of actively accepting relative vertical displacement, horizontal displacement, and rotating displacement while providing a connection between units, such that the rotary bracket can be used for a long time without frequent replacement or maintenance.