Tensioning Unit with Pretensioned Element and Spring for Cable Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tensioning units for pull elements like cables in solar module tracking devices either maintain constant tension or provide length compensation but not both, leading to potential over-tensioning or under-tensioning due to weather and construction influences.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning unit comprising a tensioning element and a spring element arranged in series, where the tensioning element is pretensioned to increase its length, providing basic tensioning and length compensation by allowing the spring element to yield, ensuring consistent tension in pull elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tensioning unit is designed to maintain constant tension, then the tension stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for length changes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a tensioning element and a spring element in series within a single tensioning unit. The tensioning element provides constant tension while the spring element compensates for length changes, allowing both functions to coexist in one integrated device rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: maintaining constant tension through the tensioning element and compensating for length changes through the spring element. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single device adaptable to both tension stability and length variation requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tensioning unit is designed to provide length compensation, then the adaptability to length changes is improved, but the tension stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tensioning element and spring element in series, where each element specializes in one function. The spring element handles length compensation while the tensioning element maintains tension stability, resolving the contradiction by distributing functions to appropriate components working together.
3Force
If the tensioning element is pretensioned to increase its length, then the basic tensioning is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element is pretensioned during assembly to establish the basic tensioning force. This preliminary action creates the initial tension state that increases the length of the tensioning element, providing the foundation for subsequent operation while the spring element handles dynamic adjustments.
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 allows for both tensioning and re-tensioning of pull elements, maintaining constant tension while compensating for unforeseen length changes, thereby preventing damage from over-tensioning or under-tensioning, and minimizing oscillations in tracking devices.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (24), wherein a length of the tensioning element (22) can be shortened in such a manner that the tensioning element (22) has a pretension (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning unit for pull elements such as cables includes a tensioning element and a spring element, wherein the tensioning element and the spring element are arranged in a row, a length of the tensioning element is shortened in such a manner that the tensioning element has a pretension, the pretension is designed to increase the length of the tensioning element, and wherein the direction of the length enlargement of the tensioning element is directed away from the spring element.