Multi-Scissor Jack Solar Tracker for Wind-Stable Single-Shaft Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking devices face instability due to strong winds, leading to damage and increased power consumption as they require stronger drive mechanisms to secure the rotation axis, which increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-scissor jack-operated single-shaft solar tracking apparatus that enhances wind resistance and reduces power consumption by using a master and slave scissor jack system with a drive shaft, rotating beam, and support brackets to synchronize the movement of photovoltaic modules, allowing for manual or motor-driven adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-point drive gear or pushing rod is used to rotate the solar tracking device, then the device can follow the movement of the sun, but the rotation axis shakes vigorously under strong wind causing damage and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-point drive system into multiple scissor jack units distributed along the rotation axis. Each scissor jack acts as an independent support segment, collectively providing stable multi-point support that prevents axis shaking while reducing the force required from each individual unit, thereby lowering overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple scissor jack mechanisms into a unified multi-point support system that works together to stabilize the rotation axis. The synchronized operation of multiple jacks creates a combined stabilizing effect that is greater than the sum of individual jacks, preventing axis shaking without requiring excessive force from any single unit.
2Reliability
If brackets are added to secure the long end of rotation axis, then the shaking is reduced, but the force requirement of push rod or drive gear increases demanding more power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding brackets to secure the axis and then increasing drive force to overcome the resulting friction, the patent inverts the approach by using scissor jacks to provide support that naturally stabilizes the axis during rotation. The scissor jack mechanism inherently provides both support and drive function, eliminating the need for additional securing brackets and the associated increase in required drive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor jack acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive source and the rotation axis. It provides mechanical advantage through its linkage geometry, allowing the drive system to rotate the axis with reduced force while maintaining stability. The scissor jack structure mediates between the need for stable support and the need for low-power operation.
3Device complexity
If a single-point drive system is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the wind resistance is reduced making the device vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point (zero-dimensional contact) drive system to a multi-point distributed support system. By distributing support points along the rotation axis, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the support structure, creating multiple leverage points that collectively resist wind forces without requiring excessive complexity in any single component.
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 apparatus provides robust self-locking support, reducing shaking from strong winds, lowering power requirements, and enhancing reliability while reducing manufacturing costs through efficient energy use and improved structural design.
Implementation Method 1
The master scissor jack and slave scissor jack each have a lifting screw
Implementation Method 2
the scissor jack provideds extremely heavy form of self-locking support
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-scissor jack-operated single-shaft solar tracking apparatus. A scissor jack is provided at regular intervals on a rotation beam of the single-shaft tracking solar support, thereby forming a multi-drive rotation. Lifting screw of each scissor jack is connected by a drive shaft so as to be lifted in synchronization. One of the scissor jacks can be driven by a motor, and the lifting screws of the other scissor jacks are driven by the transmission shaft, thereby synchronously driving the rotation beam of the single-shaft tracking solar support to rotate. The scissor jacks can be driven by manpower, in order that the angle of the tracking solar support can be adjusted by hand.