Solar Module Support Structure With Low-Load Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module support structures face challenges in safe and reliable inclination adjustment, often requiring complex structures with multiple moving parts and high load exposure, leading to stability issues and increased complexity in adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
A support structure featuring pivotably mounted support units with struts and a crossbeam, where the crossbeam is slidably mounted on posts using guide means such as slots and pins, allowing for precise and simple inclination adjustment by pivoting the carrier unit as a fixed unit, with the struts absorbing primary loads and the crossbeam carrying minimal weight forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment elements are exposed to full load of the carrier, then inclination adjustment can be achieved, but stability problems arise and adjustment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate adjustment mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the fully loaded carrier. The adjustment elements are designed to operate independently from the full structural load, allowing inclination adjustment without exposing adjustment components to the complete weight and force loads of the carrier, thereby maintaining both adjustability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure is segmented into load-bearing components and adjustment components. The adjustment mechanism is separated from the main load path, allowing the carrier to bear full loads while the adjustment elements operate with reduced load exposure, preventing stability problems while maintaining adjustment functionality
2Ease of operation
If multiple articulated connections are provided for inclination adjustment, then inclination adjustment is possible, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inclination adjustment function from the complex system of multiple articulated connections and implements it through a dedicated, simplified adjustment mechanism. This separate adjustment system performs the inclination function without requiring multiple joint attachments, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow smooth inclination adjustment without requiring multiple fixed articulated connections. The system uses movable components that can dynamically adjust the carrier inclination, replacing the need for multiple static joint attachments and reducing overall device complexity
3Strength
If adjustment elements are directly exposed to full load, then load-bearing capacity is maintained, but adjustment processes become considerably more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustment elements that are not directly exposed to the full structural load. These intermediary adjustment components operate with reduced load exposure, making the adjustment process considerably easier while the main carrier structure continues to bear the full load through its dedicated load-bearing members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the load-bearing function from the adjustment function. Load-bearing members are designed to handle full structural loads, while separate adjustment elements operate with minimal load exposure. This segmentation allows the adjustment process to be performed easily without requiring adjustment elements to directly withstand full carrier loads
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure (1) for solar modules (2), with an arrangement of posts (3) mounted on a base (4). A carrier unit (5) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), the carrier unit (5) having two struts (7a, 7b) supporting a crossbeam (6). The ends of the struts facing away from the crossbeam (6) are mounted in a pivot bearing. The crossbeam (6) is mounted on the post (3) by guide means so as to be movable. Receiving means for mounting solar modules (2) are provided on the crossbeam (6). The inclination of the solar modules (2) is defined by adjusting and fixing a pivot position of the carrier unit (5).