Rotatable Solar Panel Support with Friction-Based Vortex Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar panel installations face issues with vortex effects causing torsional stresses and potential detachment due to strong wind accelerations, with existing solutions being complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable support system with a clamp and rotatable element featuring controllable mechanical friction means, including an inflatable membrane, that imposes either a first or second static friction torque to manage rotation and dampen vortex effects, compatible with existing solar installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical and/or hydraulic dampers are used to limit vortex effects, then the solar panels are protected from torsional stresses, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from vortex-induced torsional stressesVSAvoidcomplexity of damping mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and hydraulic dampers with a simple friction-based locking mechanism. The system uses friction elements that can be activated to create static friction torque, converting a complex dynamic damping problem into a simple static friction application. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs simple, inexpensive friction elements rather than expensive, complex dampers. The friction-based mechanism uses basic components that are cheaper and simpler to implement than mechanical or hydraulic damping systems, making the solution economically viable for solar installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If mechanical and/or hydraulic dampers are used to limit vortex effects, then the solar panels are protected from torsional stresses, but the implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from vortex-induced torsional stressesVSAvoidmanufacturing and implementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical and hydraulic dampers with a simple friction-based locking mechanism. The system uses friction elements that can be activated to create static friction torque, converting a complex dynamic damping problem into a simple static friction application. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the solar panels are made rotatable to follow the sun path, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the vulnerability to vortex-induced torsional stresses increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidvulnerability to vortex-induced torsional stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system that can switch between two states: a locked state with high static friction torque to prevent rotation during vortex conditions, and an unlocked state with low static friction torque to allow rotation for sun tracking. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions, maximizing efficiency while minimizing vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction-based locking mechanism provides preliminary protection against vortex-induced torsional stresses by preventing rotation before the damaging forces can act on the panels. The system is designed to detect and respond to vortex conditions, activating the friction elements to lock the panels in place before significant torsional stress accumulates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 effectively limits and prevents vortex-induced stresses on solar panels, ensuring stability and compatibility with existing installations at a reduced cost.

Implementation Method 1

controllable, advantageously mechanical friction means that are configured to impose a friction that is associated with a first or a second static friction torque on the peripheral surface and/or the internal surface, and that oppose the rotation of the rotatable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the friction means comprise a membrane that can be inflated with a gas or a liquid and is interposed between the peripheral surface and the internal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240356485A1Rotating support for the orientation of a shaft supporting a solar panel

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 A RAYMOND & CO SCS

AI summary

A rotatable support for the orientation of a shaft supporting a solar panel includes a clamp having an internal surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a main axis, and a rotatable element mounted in the clamp, and provided with a peripheral surface that is rotationally symmetrical about the main axis. The support further includes controllable, advantageously mechanical, friction means, configured to impose a friction associated with a first or a second static friction torque on the peripheral surface and/or the internal surface, and opposing the rotation of the rotatable element, the first static friction torque being less than the second static friction torque.