Helical actuator system for solar tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting massive solar arrays to track the sun's movement while managing wind loads and maintaining structural rigidity, leading to increased power requirements and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system incorporating a torque tube supported by a base and an articulation system with helical tubes and a gearbox, where the helical tubes are translated and rotated to adjust the solar array's orientation, utilizing a power screw with opposing threads to manage wind loads and reduce material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the size and number of components are increased to reduce torsional excitation, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helical tube is pre-configured with a specific helical geometry and stiffness characteristics before installation. This preliminary design allows the tube to inherently resist torsional excitation without requiring additional active control mechanisms or multiple components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the helical tube, specifically its helical angle, diameter, and wall thickness, to optimize its stiffness and torsional resistance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the required structural rigidity without increasing the number of components, thus avoiding increased device complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the size and number of components are increased to reduce torsional excitation, then structural rigidity is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helical tube is pre-configured with a specific helical geometry and stiffness characteristics before installation. This preliminary design allows the tube to inherently resist torsional excitation without requiring additional active control mechanisms or multiple components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the helical tube, specifically its helical angle, diameter, and wall thickness, to optimize its stiffness and torsional resistance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the required structural rigidity without increasing the number of components, thus avoiding increased device complexity
3Reliability
If larger components are used to accommodate wind loading, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helical tube's geometric parameters (helical angle, diameter, wall thickness) are optimized to provide sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand wind loading. This allows the use of a single, well-designed component rather than multiple smaller components, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The helical tube may be constructed from composite materials or optimized alloy structures that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the tube to withstand wind loading effectively while maintaining a compact, simple design without requiring additional support components
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 system effectively tracks the sun's movement with reduced power consumption and material usage, enhancing structural stiffness and preventing backdriving from wind or static loads, thus optimizing component design and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a power screw with opposing threads to manage wind loads and reduce material requirements
Implementation Method 2
the first helical tube support is configured to rotate the first helical tube as the first helical tube is translated therein to cause a corresponding rotation of the solar array
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a plurality of support beams configured to support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the plurality of support beams, a base configured to rotatably support the torque tube, and an articulation system configured to rotate the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes a first helical tube coupled to the torque tube, a first helical tube support disposed on the base and configured to slidably support the first helical tube, and a gearbox in mechanical communication with the first helical tube. Actuation of the gearbox causes the first helical tube to translate within the first helical tube support and the first helical tube support is configured to rotate the first helical tube as the first helical tube is translated therein to cause a corresponding rotation of the solar array.