Hollow-Fin Solar Mirror Node for Wind and Torque Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar mirror frame designs face challenges in reducing frame weight while maintaining rigidity to improve solar energy conversion efficiency, as they are prone to deflections and bending moments due to wind and torque forces, which affect the optical accuracy and overall efficiency of solar radiation collection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hollow fin node design with a radially extending fin where at least 5% of the volume is replaced by a void, allowing for enhanced rigidity and reduced stress, while also reducing the circumscribing circle size, thereby improving load-bearing capacity and deflection resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If frame weight is reduced to improve cost effectiveness, then manufacturing cost decreases, but frame rigidity deteriorates leading to increased deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating hollow fins with voids (at least 5% of fin volume) in the node structure. This creates a porous-like configuration that reduces material usage and frame weight while maintaining structural rigidity through the strategic placement of voids in radial and axial directions of the fins, preventing excessive deflections under wind and torque forces.
2Strength
If frame rigidity is increased to reduce deflections, then slope error improves and solar energy conversion efficiency increases, but frame weight increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing voids in specific regions of the fins (radial and axial directions) rather than uniformly throughout the entire node structure. This allows the frame to maintain high rigidity in critical load-bearing areas while removing material in less critical regions, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing the rigidity needed to minimize deflections and slope errors.
3Strength
If solid fin design is used to maximize load-bearing capacity, then structural strength improves, but frame weight increases and stress concentrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid fin design with a porous-like hollow fin structure containing voids that occupy at least 5% of the fin volume. This configuration reduces frame weight and material usage while maintaining load-bearing capacity through the strategic positioning of voids in radial and axial directions, which prevents stress concentrations and optimizes load distribution throughout the node structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.