Height Adjustable Pylon and Frame Assembly for Uneven Terrain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for items like heliostats and wind turbines are costly and face challenges on undulating ground, requiring significant welding and additional corrosion protection, which complicates stability and accuracy in tracking energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable pylon and frame assembly with tubular frame members and a fastener assembly that allows for axial locking of pylons at selected positions, using deformable metal or suitable materials with pre-formed contact surfaces and adjustable brace members to accommodate uneven terrain without welding, enabling easy assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional welded support structures are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to significant welding and corrosion protection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: adjustable pylons, frame members with pre-formed contact surfaces, and fastener assemblies. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled without welding, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining structural integrity through mechanical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection method parameter from welded joints to mechanical fastening systems. The fastener assemblies with saddle portions engage the pylon surfaces and lock them axially, providing sufficient structural strength without the need for welding and associated corrosion protection
2Stability of the object's composition
If welded frame structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to undulating ground deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable pylons that can be positioned at different heights and locked in place using fastener assemblies. This dynamic adjustability allows the structure to adapt to undulating ground conditions while maintaining stability, unlike fixed welded structures
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members include pre-formed contact surfaces that conform to the outer surface of the pylon before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures proper engagement and stability when the pylon is locked in position, accommodating terrain variations without requiring post-installation adjustments
3Measurement precision
If adjustable pylon positions are implemented, then tracking accuracy of energy sources is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adjustable pylon and the frame members. It provides a simple mechanical means for positioning and locking the pylon at selected heights, achieving tracking accuracy without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed contact surfaces on the frame members are designed to conform to the pylon outer surface, enabling self-alignment and stable engagement when the fastener assembly is tightened. This self-adjusting feature reduces the complexity of precision manufacturing while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 solution provides a cost-effective, stable, and adjustable support structure that can accurately track energy sources on uneven terrain, reducing capital expenditure and minimizing corrosion protection needs, while allowing for easy setup and stress relief.
Implementation Method 1
the fastener assembly includes an intermediate saddle portion engaging a surface of the pylon that is directed outwardly relative to the corner so that the pylon is urged by the fastener assembly into the corner when the fastener assembly is tightened to thereby engage the pylon and lock it axially
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A height adjustable pylon (2, 15) and supporting frame assembly (1) is provided. The frame includes two frame members (3) meeting at a corner with the frame members being generally co-planar and the pylon (2, 15) being urged into the corner so as to extend at generally right angles to a plane including the two frame members. A fastener assembly has two end portions (23) each anchored relative its associated frame member so as to extend transversely to it. The fastener assembly (21) includes an intermediate saddle portion (22) engaging a surface of the pylon (2) that is directed outwardly relative to the corner with the pylon being urged into the corner when the fastener assembly is tightened to engage the pylon and lock it axially relative to the frame members (3) in a selected position. Preferably, the frame members each form two upper and two lower frame members of two trusses. Lower ends of the pylons may support the assembly.