Sealed Linear Drive for Solar Tracking Under Wind and Snow Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-energy trackers face challenges with low energy efficiency, limited stiffness and anti-load capacity, susceptibility to environmental factors like wind, snow, and moisture, which affect tracking accuracy and reliability, and require complex external circuitry for current monitoring with high error rates.
Innovation Solution
A linear drive apparatus with a single-row tapered roller bearing, a DC motor with planet reduction gear and Hall signal feedback, and a sealed design incorporating O-shape sealing rings and a waterproof ventilation stopper to enhance stiffness, anti-load capacity, and protection against environmental factors, along with a control system for real-time monitoring and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a deep groove ball bearing is used for the rotation part of the screw with a length-diameter ratio of 30-40, then the driving force requirement is met, but the rigidity and anti-load capacity of the driver are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bearing type from deep groove ball bearing to single-row tapered roller bearing, and adjusts the length-diameter ratio from 30-40 to 15-20. This parameter change allows the driver to achieve both sufficient driving force and improved rigidity with anti-load capacity, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the extension rod is in a big-gap fit with the outer tube, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the gap increases the deflection of the screw and facilitates tracker shake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dustproof ring and sealing ring as flexible sealing elements between the extension rod and outer tube. These components provide a tight seal that eliminates the big-gap fit, reducing screw deflection and tracker shake while maintaining ease of assembly through the modular sealing design.
3Reliability
If the driver is designed with high stiffness and anti-load capacity for big wind and heavy snow conditions, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the screw, drive nut, single-row tapered roller bearings, dustproof ring, and sealing ring. This composite design achieves high stiffness and anti-load capacity for extreme weather conditions while keeping the overall system compact and relatively simple through integrated component design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a dustproof cover is provided to protect against water, dust and debris, then protection is improved, but the cover is very easily aged and damaged in the working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a separate dustproof cover and integrates it into the driver assembly through the dustproof ring and sealing ring. This eliminates the need for a separate cover that is prone to aging and damage, while providing continuous protection against water, dust, and debris throughout the driver's service life.
5Device complexity
If the signal feedback system is integrated with the transmission, then the structure is more compact, but the difficulty of maintenance and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driver into distinct functional components: the drive mechanism (screw and drive nut), the sealing system (dustproof ring and sealing ring), and the signal feedback system. This segmentation allows the signal feedback system to be easily removed and replaced independently while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between compactness and maintainability.
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 improves tracking accuracy and stability under extreme conditions, reduces deflection and load-related issues, and ensures reliable operation with enhanced protection against environmental factors, reducing maintenance needs and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a single-row tapered roller bearing is provided correspondingly in the outer tube and at connection ends between the screw and the drive mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a drive nut is provided on the screw in a threaded fit therewith
Implementation Method 3
The length-diameter ratio of the screw is 20-25, the length-diameter ratio of the drive nut is 3-5
Implementation Method 4
a sealing assembly is provided between the extension rod and the sealing end cap, and a waterproof and oil-proof ventilation stopper is provided on the outer tube
Implementation Method 5
a DC motor with planet reduction gear and Hall signal feedback
Implementation Method 6
a DC motor with planet reduction gear and Hall signal feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drive apparatus is provided. The linear drive apparatus may include an outer tube, a sealing end cap provided at the end of the outer tube, a screw provided in the outer tube, a drive nut provided on the screw in a threaded fit, an extension rod provided between the outer tube and the screw, a sealing assembly provided between the extension rod and the sealing end cap, and a waterproof and oil-proof ventilation stopper provided on the outer tube. One end of the screw may be connected to a drive mechanism. One end of the extension rod may be connected to the drive nut. The other end of the extension rod may pass through the sealing end cap.