Solar Collector Adapter for Curved-to-Linear Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in mounting a trough solar collector with a curved geometry onto a linear rail, as the curvature of the collector does not align well with the planar support surface of the rail, requiring an adapter to facilitate a secure and adjustable connection.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed to bridge the collector and the rail, featuring a curved section for form-fitting with the collector's curvature and a planar section for positive or non-positive connection to the rail, allowing axial movement and secure mounting, which can be integrated or attached as a separate component using various fastening methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a trough collector with curved geometry is mounted directly on a linear rail with planar support surface, then the mounting structure becomes simple, but the geometric mismatch causes poor alignment and unstable connection
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the curved trough collector and the planar linear rail. The adapter features a curved section that matches the collector's geometry and a planar section that interfaces with the rail, thereby mediating the geometric mismatch and enabling stable connection without direct contact between incompatible surfaces
2Reliability
If an adapter is introduced to bridge the geometric mismatch between collector and rail, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed to combine multiple functions into a single component: it provides geometric adaptation, mechanical support, and positioning functions simultaneously. By merging these functions, the solution achieves reliable connection without requiring multiple separate components, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the adapter is designed with form-fitting curved section for the collector, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs local quality by providing form-fitting curved surfaces only at the specific interface with the collector, while maintaining simple planar surfaces at the rail interface. This localized complexity approach achieves high alignment precision where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire adapter manufacturing process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The solar collector has transparent cover provided parallel to the base connecting the peripheral wall. A bulged portion is formed in the transition region to the base. An adapter (20) is provided for frictionally engaging solar collector to a mounting rail functioning as linear rail having planar surface. An independent claim is included for adapter for connecting solar collector.