Solar assembly, support structure for this solar assembly and cross-connection for this support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for solar systems, such as those using cross connectors with longitudinal beams and suspension cables, face challenges in flexibility, stability, and cost due to increased construction effort and material requirements when adjusting the elevation of PV modules or other add-on parts.
Innovation Solution
A transverse connector with shell-shaped longitudinal profiles made of flat material allows for adjustable rotation relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal member, reducing material usage and weight, and incorporating features like flat profile bases and lugs for enhanced stability and handling, while minimizing the load on support cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cross-connector uses a rigid longitudinal beam with fastening elements for suspension cables, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility and ease of adjustment of add-on parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid longitudinal beam with two rotatable longitudinal profiles that can rotate relative to each other about a vertical axis. This dynamic configuration allows the cross-connector to adapt its orientation and position, enabling flexible adjustment of add-on parts while maintaining structural stability through the rotational mechanism controlled by positioning devices.
2Strength
If the cross-connector uses hollow profiles for longitudinal beams, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled shell-shaped longitudinal profiles made from sheet metal that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing material usage and weight. The shell configuration offers optimal strength-to-weight ratio, and the thin-walled design reduces material consumption compared to traditional hollow profiles, directly addressing the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cross-connector design is simplified with fewer components, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of operation and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the longitudinal beam function into two separate rotatable longitudinal profiles that can independently rotate and be positioned. This segmentation enables flexible adjustment of the cross-connector's orientation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The modular design with discrete rotational components facilitates ease of operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a cross-connector (2) for connecting a plurality of support cables (3, 4), having a longitudinal member (5) which comprises at least one retaining element (8, 9) for an attachment (10) and at least one fastening element (6, 7) for each support cable (3, 4). In order to increase the flexibility of a mounted attachment, while minimally increasing the load, according to the invention the longitudinal member (5) has two longitudinal profiles (5.1, 5.2) which have a bowl-shaped cross-section, are made of a flat material (11), in particular metal sheet, and form rotation elements (12.1, 12.2) of a pivot bearing (12) on the cross-connector (2) for rotation with respect to one another about an axis parallel to the longitudinal extent (20) of the longitudinal member (5), wherein the rotational position (13) thereof can be ascertained and wherein the fastening elements (6, 7) are provided on the first longitudinal profile (5.1) and the retaining element (8, 9) is provided on the second longitudinal profile (5.2).