Holding device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parabolic trough collectors face challenges with increased wind loads causing focus deviations and high costs due to complex holding constructions, limited aperture size, and difficulties in achieving both optical precision and flexibility, leading to costly replacements and complex shipping.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lower part and flexible tensioning elements connected to engagement points, allowing for adjustable tensile forces to maintain a parabolic shape, deflecting wind loads as axial forces and reducing material and maintenance costs, enabling larger apertures and on-site adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the aperture of a parabolic trough collector is increased to reduce costs and improve energy yield, then the energy yield and cost efficiency are improved, but wind loads increase causing the mirror to move or swing and focus deviations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device allows the parabolic mirror to dynamically adjust its position and shape in response to wind loads. The flexible tensioning elements enable the mirror to deform elastically under wind pressure while maintaining the parabolic geometry, preventing focus deviations without requiring a rigid, over-engineered support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the mirror support system by using flexible tensioning elements that can adjust their tension and length. This allows the mirror to maintain its parabolic shape under varying wind conditions by dynamically adjusting the tension distribution, thereby maintaining focus precision while accommodating larger aperture sizes.
2Reliability
If a complex holding construction is used to prevent focus deviations due to wind loads, then focus precision is maintained, but material requirements and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device uses flexible tensioning elements (such as cables or ropes) instead of rigid structural components. These flexible elements can adapt to wind loads by deforming elastically while maintaining the mirror's parabolic shape, providing focus precision without requiring a complex rigid support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of wind load resistance from the holding construction by using simple tensioning elements that rely on tension rather than rigid structural support. This removes the need for complex bracing and support mechanisms while maintaining focus precision.
3Measurement precision
If rigid holding constructions are used to ensure optical precision, then focus precision is maintained, but the device becomes vulnerable to catastrophic damage and requires expensive replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tensioning elements are designed to accommodate wind loads through elastic deformation before the loads become catastrophic. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to absorb wind energy through controlled deformation, preventing the mirror and support structure from suffering catastrophic damage while maintaining optical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible tensioning elements instead of rigid components allows the system to bend and deform elastically under wind loads, preventing catastrophic failure. The flexible elements can absorb impact energies and return to their original position, maintaining optical precision while providing damage resistance.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional holding constructions with fixed parameters are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different aperture and focal length requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device incorporates adjustable tensioning elements that can be modified in length and tension after manufacturing. This dynamic adjustability allows the same basic structure to be adapted to different aperture sizes and focal length requirements without requiring custom-manufactured components for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed as a universal system where the tensioning elements can be adjusted to serve multiple functions and configurations. The same basic structure can accommodate different mirror sizes, aperture widths, and focal lengths by simply adjusting the tension and length of the flexible elements, providing manufacturing simplicity with adaptability.
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 effectively prevents focus deviations and bending deformations, allows for larger apertures, reduces material and maintenance costs, and simplifies shipping and on-site adjustments, while maintaining optical precision and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible tensioning element which is attached suspended between the engagement points... all traction means can be pulled simultaneously with identical or different tensile force in the direction of the lower part
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a material and a method for holding such materials. The device includes a lower part having at least two engagement points, at least one elongated flexible tensioning element that is attached suspended between the engagement points, and traction mechanisms that are attached on the tensioning element or are part of the tensioning element. The tensioning element is connected to, encloses or carries the material, and the device is configured such that all traction mechanisms can be pulled simultaneously with identical or different tensile force in the direction of the lower part.