Hollow Fin Node Design for Lightweight Rigid Solar Mirror Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar mirror frame designs face challenges in reducing frame weight while maintaining rigidity to improve solar energy conversion efficiency, as they are prone to deflections and bending moments under wind and load forces, which affect the optical accuracy and efficiency of solar radiation collection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hollow fin design in the solar frame node, where at least 5% of the fin's volume is replaced by a void extending parallel to the channel, enhances rigidity, reduces stresses, and lowers part weight, while also allowing for reduced circumscribing circle sizes, although this may increase extrusion difficulty and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If frame weight is reduced to improve cost effectiveness, then manufacturing cost decreases, but frame rigidity deteriorates leading to increased deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the fin cross-sectional geometry along the fin length. The fin has a larger cross-section at the base where bending moments are highest, and progressively smaller cross-sections toward the tip where moments are lower. This optimized distribution of material provides maximum rigidity where needed while minimizing weight where less structural support is required, directly resolving the contradiction between frame weight and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action through the design of hollow fins with strategic material placement. The hollow fin structure with optimized wall thickness distribution is designed in advance to preemptively counteract expected wind loads and operational forces. The cross-sectional geometry is pre-calculated to provide adequate moment of inertia and section modulus, ensuring rigidity is built-in before the frame encounters actual loads, thus preventing excessive deflections without requiring uniform weight distribution.
2Strength
If frame rigidity is increased to reduce deflections and improve solar energy conversion efficiency, then optical accuracy improves, but frame weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the fin cross-sectional geometry along the fin length. The fin has a larger cross-section at the base where bending moments are highest, and progressively smaller cross-sections toward the tip where moments are lower. This optimized distribution of material provides maximum rigidity where needed while minimizing weight where less structural support is required, directly resolving the contradiction between frame weight and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the fin cross-sectional dimensions as a function of position along the fin length. The cross-sectional area, wall thickness, and hollow core dimensions are all modified as parameters to optimize the moment of inertia and section modulus at each location. This continuous parameter optimization achieves the required rigidity for accurate solar energy conversion while minimizing overall frame weight through mathematical optimization of the geometric parameters.
3Weight of stationary object
If hollow fin design is used to reduce part weight and improve rigidity, then manufacturing cost increases due to increased extrusion difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the fin cross-sectional dimensions as a function of position along the fin length. The cross-sectional area, wall thickness, and hollow core dimensions are all modified as parameters to optimize the moment of inertia and section modulus at each location. This continuous parameter optimization achieves the required rigidity for accurate solar energy conversion while minimizing overall frame weight through mathematical optimization of the geometric parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the porous materials principle through the use of hollow fin structures. Instead of solid fins, the design incorporates hollow cores that reduce material usage and overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. The hollow configuration provides adequate strength-to-weight ratio and allows for optimized material distribution within the fin walls, achieving weight reduction goals while the extrusion process can accommodate the hollow geometry through appropriate die design and process parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.