Reflector Array Linkage for Precise Synchronous Sunlight Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for reflecting sunlight, such as heliostats, face challenges in moving a large number of reflector surfaces synchronously and with precision, which is mechanically complex and costly, and are susceptible to wind.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a common coupling element with attached spherical joints and cardan joints, allowing all reflector units to be moved simultaneously using a single drive mechanism, with motor-driven cardan joints operating in perpendicular axes to achieve precise and cost-effective movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual reflector surfaces are moved using separate drive mechanisms, then precise movement control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate drive mechanisms are merged into a single common coupling element that simultaneously actuates all reflector units. The coupling element integrates multiple spherical joints, each connected to a reflector unit, allowing one motor to control the position of all reflector surfaces through coordinated mechanical linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The common coupling element serves multiple functions: it acts as a central pivot for all reflector units, provides spherical joint connections for each unit, and enables simultaneous movement in multiple directions (azimuth and elevation) through its multi-axis rotational capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate drive mechanisms are used for each reflector unit, then independent control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single motor-coupling assembly, reducing the number of motors and control systems needed. This merging approach maintains the ability to independently position each reflector unit through the mechanical linkage while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is segmented into multiple spherical joint connections, each independently connected to a reflector unit. This segmentation allows each reflector unit to be independently controlled through the shared mechanical linkage system, maintaining versatility while using a unified drive structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a large number of reflector units are moved simultaneously using mechanical linkages, then synchronous movement is achieved, but susceptibility to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common coupling element acts as an intermediary between the single motor and multiple reflector units. It distributes the movement command to all units through spherical joints, achieving synchronous movement while isolating individual units from direct mechanical coupling that would increase wind sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical joint connections provide flexible rotational degrees of freedom, allowing each reflector unit to independently adjust to wind loads while maintaining synchronous positioning through the coupling element. This flexibility reduces the rigid mechanical coupling that would amplify wind effects across the entire array.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for reflecting incident light, in particular sunlight, comprising a plurality of reflector units arranged next to one another, in particular next to one another in two directions, each reflector unit comprising at least one reflector surface (4), wherein the reflector surfaces (4) of all of the reflector units are pivotable, wherein each reflector unit (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises a rod (3) and comprises a reflector surface (4) fastened at the upper free end of the rod (3) and a lower spherical hinge (5) at the lower end of the rod (3), with which hinge the rod (3) is connected in articulated fashion to a movable coupling element (6), which is common to all of the reflector units (2, 3, 4, 5), and comprises a spherical hinge (2) in an intermediate region between the upper end and the lower end of the rod (3), said hinge connecting, in articulated fashion, the rod (3) to a stationary base element (1) which is common to all of the reflector units (2, 3, 4, 5) and bearing each reflector unit (2, 3, 4, 5) movably about a dedicated stationary hinge center point thereof, and wherein, owing to the movement of the coupling element (6) arranged beneath the base element (1), the reflector surfaces (4) of all of the reflector units (2, 3, 4, 5) are movable simultaneously in the same direction and to the same extent.