Slew Drive Torque Tube Clamp for Fast, Reliable Support Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slew drive systems require specialized coupling members or brackets for attaching transverse support members, which complicates installation, increases time and cost, and adds weight.

Innovation Solution

A slew drive with a clamp mechanism that includes a housing, worm shaft, torque tube, and a clamp assembly with an expansion member, allowing for easy attachment and retention of a transverse support member by rotating the torque tube and using a wedge member to securely lock the support member in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized coupling members or brackets are used to attach transverse support members, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is divided into separate components: a clamp body with a jaw that receives the transverse support member, and an expansion member that can be independently inserted and activated. This segmentation allows for quick assembly where the clamp body is first positioned, then the expansion member is inserted and activated to secure the support member, eliminating the need for complex pre-assembled brackets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp body is pre-configured with the jaw and positioning features that prepare the interface for the transverse support member. The expansion member is pre-formed with the appropriate geometry to engage the jaw. This preliminary preparation of components allows for rapid installation without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If specialized coupling members or brackets are used to attach transverse support members, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly with its standardized jaw and expansion member design can accommodate various transverse support member sizes and configurations. The same basic clamp body design can be used across different applications by simply changing the expansion member or adjusting the jaw position, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized bracket types for different support members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion member is designed to be inserted into and nested within the clamp body structure. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated assembly, reducing the total material required and simplifying manufacturing compared to using separate specialized coupling members and brackets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If specialized coupling members or brackets are used to attach transverse support members, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidslew drive weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp body and expansion member are designed as thin-walled but structurally efficient components that provide the necessary clamping force and support without excessive material. The expansion member creates a distributed clamping pressure that secures the transverse support member reliably while using minimal material, reducing weight compared to rigid specialized brackets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion member provides a dynamic clamping mechanism that can adapt to the transverse support member geometry and apply force only where needed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the clamp assembly to secure various support members with less overall material than static specialized brackets designed for specific configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies installation, reduces time and cost, and minimizes weight by providing a straightforward method to attach and secure transverse support members, enabling efficient rotation and adjustment of solar panels or other structures.

Implementation Method 1

The expansion member is movable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. The expansion member engages both the wedge member and the torque tube. The expansion member forces the angled surface against the transverse support element in the expanded position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS9353781B2Slew drive gearbox and clamp

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 KINEMATICS LLC

AI summary

A slew drive with clamp including a slew drive having a housing, a worm shaft having a worm thread carried within the housing for rotational movement, a torque tube having an outer diameter and a central socket extending therethrough, the torque tube carried by the housing for rotational movement perpendicularly to the worm shaft and worm thread, and coupling means for rotatably engaging the torque tube with the worm threads. A transverse support member is received in the socket and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A clamp is carried within the socket movable between a clamped and an unclamped position for clamping the transverse member fixedly within the socket.