Solar Reflector Mount Geometry for Low-Complexity Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar reflector arrangements, such as the 'linear mirror', require high structural complexity and cost due to the need for rotating mechanisms to track the sun, and alternative solutions with numerous arms and linkages also incur significant construction effort.
Innovation Solution
A solar reflector arrangement with a reflector mount featuring a reflector carrier, alignment arm, and bearings, where the alignment arm is adjustable to align with incident solar radiation, allowing the reflector to deflect sunbeams onto a common target without moving the entire mirror arrangement, thus reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror arrangement is rotated to track the sun, then the reflectors can follow the sun's course, but the structural complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mirror arrangement into independent modular units, each capable of individual alignment. This segmentation allows each module to be independently adjusted to track the sun without requiring the entire structure to rotate, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining sun tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the mirrors to follow the sun, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the entire sunbeam direction relative to fixed mirrors. The mirrors remain stationary while the system adapts by adjusting which fixed mirror receives and reflects the moving sunbeam at each moment.
2Manufacturing precision
If numerous arms and linkages are used to align mirrors, then the reflectors can be positioned correctly, but the construction effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex arms and linkages from the system. Instead of using mechanical linkages to achieve alignment, the system uses a simplified mounting structure with adjustable parameters that can be set directly, removing the need for intermediate mechanical components and reducing construction effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical system of arms and linkages with a geometric alignment system based on angular parameters. Rather than using mechanical components to physically move mirrors into position, the system uses mathematical relationships and adjustable mounting angles to achieve precise alignment more simply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire mirror arrangement is moved to track the sun, then sun following is achieved, but the structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tracking function into the mounting structure itself rather than requiring a separate movement mechanism. The mounting structure combines fixed positioning with adjustable parameters that allow the system to follow the sun without needing independent actuators for each mirror, reducing overall construction effort.
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 enables a stationary solar reflector setup that can be fixed to a wall, eliminating the need for complex mechanics and allowing flexible targeting with minimal construction effort, while maintaining efficient sun tracking using only two motors.
Implementation Method 1
a solar reflector arrangement for deflecting incident solar radiation onto a common target, with at least one reflector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar reflector assembly (10) for deflecting incident sun rays (30) onto a common target (20), a reflector retainer for such a solar reflector assembly (10), and a corresponding method (200) for deflecting incident sun rays (30) onto the common target (20). In order to present a solution that permits an elegant orientation of the reflectors (40) in order to deflect incident sun rays (30) and at the same time can be produced at lower cost and preferably with less construction complexity, a solar reflector assembly (10) is proposed having at least one reflector (40) and at least one reflector retainer for the at least one reflector (40), wherein the reflector retainer has: a reflector carrier (50), which carries a reflector (40), an orienting arm (60), a first bearing (70) for accommodating the reflector carrier (50), and a second bearing (80) for accommodating the orienting arm (60), wherein the first bearing (70) and the second bearing (80) are or can be arranged on a straight line (90), which is or can be oriented for directing toward the target (20), wherein the reflector carrier (50) and the orienting arm (60) are coupled to each other and the distance between the first bearing (70) and the second bearing (80) is equal to the distance between the second bearing (80) and the coupling (100) of the reflector carrier (50) and the orienting arm (60), wherein the orienting arm (60) can be oriented toward the direction of the incident sun rays (30).