Integrated Inclination Sensor Drive for Solar Tracker Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun-tracking solar collector drive systems face high hardware and labor costs due to the need for separate weatherproofing and electrical connections for inclinometers, which are essential for precise angle control but add complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclinometer into the motor housing and connecting it directly to the motor controller circuit board eliminates the need for separate weatherproof housings and connectors, reducing costs by integrating the sensor within the motor's weatherproof enclosure and eliminating the need for additional conductors and cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inclinometer is placed on a solar collection device with separate weatherproof housing and electrical connections, then precise angle measurement is achieved, but hardware cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inclinometer sensor, its weatherproof housing, and electrical connections into an integrated motor assembly. The inclinometer is mounted within the motor housing and electrically connected to the motor controller through the motor's existing weatherproof structure, eliminating the need for separate weatherproof housing and external electrical connections for the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves multiple functions: it houses the motor, provides weatherproof enclosure for the inclinometer sensor, and acts as the mounting structure for the sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If an inclinometer is placed on a solar collection device with separate weatherproof housing and electrical connections, then precise angle measurement is achieved, but installation labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inclinometer sensor, its weatherproof housing, and electrical connections into an integrated motor assembly. The inclinometer is mounted within the motor housing and electrically connected to the motor controller through the motor's existing weatherproof structure, eliminating the need for separate weatherproof housing and external electrical connections for the sensor.
3Reliability
If separate weatherproof housing and electrical connections are used for the inclinometer, then sensor protection is achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing serves multiple functions: it houses the motor, provides weatherproof enclosure for the inclinometer sensor, and acts as the mounting structure for the sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
4Device complexity
If the inclinometer is integrated into the motor housing, then hardware cost and installation simplicity are improved, but the sensor must be mounted on a moveable part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inclinometer sensor, its weatherproof housing, and electrical connections into an integrated motor assembly. The inclinometer is mounted within the motor housing and electrically connected to the motor controller through the motor's existing weatherproof structure, eliminating the need for separate weatherproof housing and external electrical connections for the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.