Rotating floating platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy production systems, such as photovoltaic cells, are rarely installed on water surfaces due to limitations in existing rotating solar panel structures that require fixed anchoring to the bottom of hydrographic basins, restricting their rotational movement and planar freedom.
Innovation Solution
A rotating floating platform with a central module connected to propulsion modules via a flexible mooring unit, allowing independent rotation without fixed structures, utilizing a bearing-type connection and motor units with control units for directional movement, enabling free rotation around a central axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed anchoring system is used to support rotating solar panel structures on water, then the structure can maintain stability and support weight, but the rotational movement and planar freedom are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a central module and multiple peripheral modules that can rotate independently. The central module contains the bearing mechanism while peripheral modules are connected through flexible joints, allowing segmented rotational movement without requiring a complete fixed structure overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static fixed anchoring with dynamic bearing-based connections. The central module incorporates a bearing mechanism that enables continuous rotation, and the peripheral modules use flexible connections that adapt to rotational positions, transforming the system from static to dynamic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bearing-type connection is used to enable rotation, then rotational freedom is improved, but the structural stability and weight support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing mechanism with the central floating module, integrating rotational capability directly into the platform's core structure. The bearing is housed within the central module's cylindrical body, combining support and rotation functions in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing acts as an intermediary element between the central module and peripheral modules, enabling smooth rotational movement while maintaining structural integrity. The bearing's inner and outer rings provide controlled contact points that facilitate rotation without compromising overall stability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple solar tracking subsystems are used to track solar movement, then tracking precision is improved, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into multiple independent sensors positioned at different locations on the platform. Each sensor independently measures solar position from its specific viewpoint, and the control system processes these distributed measurements to determine optimal platform orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple sensor inputs and perform multiple functions: processing sensor data, calculating optimal orientation, controlling motor movements, and monitoring system status. This universal control approach reduces overall system complexity despite increased sensing capabilities.
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
Enables the deployment of energy production systems on aquatic surfaces with unrestricted rotational movement, maximizing momentum and planar freedom, independent of fixed structures, and allowing modular expansion.
Implementation Method 1
a motor unit coupled to said at least one floating component, the motor unit comprising a motor and a propeller
Implementation Method 2
the motor unit comprising a motor and a propeller; the processor is configured to operate the motor and the propeller of the motor unit
Implementation Method 3
said central floating component being provided with a bearing type connection for coupling said outer component (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotating floating platform, adapted to accommodate energy production systems, namely solar panels but not limited to these systems. The technology now developed provides rotational movement to the entire platform, on the plane of the aquatic medium where it floats, being its rotation capacity independent of fixed and rigid structures. In order to achieve this independency, the rotating floating platform comprises a central floating module (1) connected directly or indirectly to at least two propulsion modules (5), where the connection to the bottom of the basin being provided through a flexible mooring unit forming a rotation floating structure (4) where the momentum and the rotation axis act as one, thus creating a rotation platform.