Rotating support device for a torsion beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating support devices for torsion beams in solar power plant installations are prone to joint loosening and cracking due to fastening screws, excessive friction from u-bolts, and complex installation processes with numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A rotating support device comprising a clamp with a bushing that uses projections and cavities to securely retain the bushing within the clamp, allowing rotation while eliminating the need for fastening screws, and incorporating a retaining part with a slot and vertical guides for precise alignment and stability, reducing the number of components and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening screws are used to retain plastic parts in the clamp, then the parts are secured in place, but the constant compression causes the joint to loosen and the plastics to crack
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the fastening screws from the system entirely, replacing them with a retention mechanism based on complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses) that secure the plastic parts without compression. This extraction of the harmful element (screws) eliminates the source of cracking and loosening while maintaining retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary retention mechanism consisting of protrusions on the clamp and corresponding recesses on the plastic parts. This intermediary system mediates between the need for secure retention and the avoidance of compressive forces, providing a non-compressive alternative to screw fastening.
2Reliability
If u-bolts are used as retainers for the plastic parts, then the parts are retained, but the u-bolt causes excessive friction with the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the u-bolt retainer from the system and replaces it with a geometric interlocking mechanism using protrusions and recesses. This elimination of the u-bolt removes the source of excessive friction while maintaining effective retention of the plastic parts.
3Reliability
If multiple components (clamp, bushing, retainers, screws) are used to create a rotating support device, then the functionality is achieved, but the number of components is high and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate components into an integrated system where the clamp, bushing, and retention features work together as a unified assembly. The retention functionality is integrated directly into the clamp and bushing structures through complementary geometric shapes, eliminating the need for separate retainers and fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and bushing are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, rotation enablement, and retention of plastic parts. The complementary geometric features provide both alignment and retention functions, reducing the need for specialized components.
4Strength
If multiple components and fastening elements are used in the rotating support device, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the installation process requires many tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple installation steps into a single assembly operation. The complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses) provide self-alignment and automatic retention, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric interlocking features provide self-alignment and self-retention during assembly, eliminating the need for operators to use tools for alignment or fastening. The structure serves itself by guiding components into the correct position and securing them automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating support device for a torsion beam is be coupled to a support pillar, especially applicable in solar power plant installations which reduces the number of parts used and facilitates the assembly. The device has a clamp which can be coupled to the support pillar having a cylindrical inner area, a bushing intended to be positioned inside the clamp and which has the possibility of rotation together with the torsion beam with respect to the clamp and a retaining part which can be coupled in the slot which in an assembly situation protrudes in height with respect to the central sector of the clamp.