Screw Anchor Driving Machine Alignment for Truss Foundation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of A-frame truss foundations for single-axis trackers is complex due to the need for specialized machines to drive angled screw anchors and align truss components, which increases costs and complexity compared to simpler monopile foundations.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for aligning screw anchor driving machines and orienting alignment jigs to ensure that the rotational axis of the truss foundation is correctly aligned with a predetermined point in space, using a machine with articulated mast and hydraulic actuators to drive screw anchors at precise angles and assemble the truss foundation efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If A-frame truss foundations are used to reduce material usage and steel consumption, then material efficiency is improved, but installation complexity increases due to the need for specialized machines and precise alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the truss foundation components (screw anchors, upper legs, and apex hardware) into pre-bundled units at the manufacturing stage. This pre-assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment and assembly operations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the material efficiency benefits of the A-frame truss design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating multiple components into a hierarchical structure where upper legs are attached to screw anchors, and apex hardware connects the upper legs. This nested configuration allows the entire truss foundation to be assembled as a unified module, simplifying installation while achieving reduced steel consumption through the efficient A-frame geometry
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized machines with articulated masts and alignment jigs are used to drive screw anchors at precise angles, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with GPS-based positioning and automated control systems. The machine controller uses satellite positioning data to automatically calculate and execute the precise drive angles for screw anchors, eliminating the need for manual alignment jigs and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through real-time monitoring of machine position and orientation using GPS and sensors. The controller continuously compares actual position data with target coordinates and automatically adjusts the articulated mast and drive mechanism to maintain precise alignment, reducing the need for complex mechanical alignment devices
Data Source
AI summary
An automated control system for a screw anchor driving and truss assembly machine. A positioning subsystem determines an orientation of a machine mast's driving axis relative to an intended drive axis and controls the mast to align with the intended drive axis. After a pair of adjacent screw anchors are drive, the controller orients the mast so that an alignment jig for supporting truss apex hardware is held relative to a predetermined point in space.