Torque tube with pentagonal cross-section and solar structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque tubes used in solar structures, primarily D-shaped, round, and square tubes, face challenges in material cost, strength, and flexural performance, necessitating a new cross-section design for improved selection and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A torque tube with a pentagonal cross-section, featuring a symmetrical structure with a convex pentagonal cross-section and rounded corners, which serves as a rotating main beam, enhancing strength and flexural performance while reducing material costs by providing additional cross-section options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional D-shaped, round, or square torque tubes are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the material cost is high and flexural performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 4-sided or circular cross-sections to a 5-sided pentagonal cross-section, adding geometric complexity in the cross-sectional dimension. This dimensional change in the cross-section geometry provides enhanced flexural performance and torsional rigidity while maintaining manufacturability through standard bending and welding processes
2Quantity of substance
If traditional torque tube cross-sections are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but material cost is reduced inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the torque tube cross-section from traditional shapes to a specific pentagonal configuration with defined side lengths and angles. This parameter change optimizes the distribution of material, achieving better strength-to-material-ratio and reducing material cost while maintaining or enhancing strength
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new cross-section design is implemented, then more cross-section options are provided and material cost is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pentagonal cross-section is designed with distinct sides and angles that can be segmented into manageable geometric components. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes where each side can be formed independently through bending operations, reducing the overall structural complexity despite the increased cross-section variety
Data Source
AI summary
A torque tube with a pentagonal cross-section includes a tube body and a cavity disposed in the tube body. The cross-section of the tube body of the length direction is a convex pentagon including a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a fifth side that are connected end to end in a circumferential direction to form a closed structure. The tube body is a symmetrical structure with a perpendicular bisector of the third side as an axis, such that the second side is symmetrical with the fourth side, the first side is symmetrical with the fifth side, and the second side and the fourth side are vertically connected to the third side. A solar structure is further provided. The special pentagonal structure of the torque tube provides an additional cross-section for selection while ensuring strength and flexural performance and saving on material costs.