PV Module Truss and Cradle Assembly for Low-Center Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic module mounting systems have a high center of gravity, are costly due to independent motors, and inefficiently use real estate due to space requirements for gearboxes and linkages, impeding construction and maintenance access.

Innovation Solution

A truss and cradle assembly system that allows PV modules to be placed adjacent to each other, with a lower rotation point and underground linkage for unobstructed passage, enabling efficient real estate use and improved stability by reducing the center of gravity and eliminating the need for gaps between modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotation point is positioned at the top of the mounting system, then the PV modules can be easily mounted, but the center of gravity becomes high reducing stability in high wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by positioning the rotation point at the bottom of the mounting system rather than at the top. This inversion lowers the center of gravity to the base of the support structure, significantly improving stability in high wind conditions while still allowing PV modules to be mounted and tracked effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If independent motors are used at each foundation, then each PV module can be individually controlled, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual control capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control function from multiple independent motors into a single motor located at one foundation. This single motor controls the entire row of PV modules through a shared mounting structure, significantly reducing system cost and complexity while maintaining the ability to track and control the modules collectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If gearboxes and linkages are positioned above ground, then the rotation mechanism can be accessed for maintenance, but space between PV modules must be increased reducing real estate efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidreal estate efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the rotation mechanism from the horizontal plane (requiring gaps between modules) to the vertical dimension by positioning the rotation point at the bottom foundation. This allows PV modules to be placed directly adjacent to each other, maximizing real estate efficiency, while the rotation mechanism remains accessible through the foundation structure for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9252307B2Photovoltaic module support system

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 NOVASOURCE POWER HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.