Solar Tracker Platform With Three-Actuator Sun Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracking devices are limited in their ability to continuously and economically track the sun across various locations and weather conditions, often requiring complex and heavy structures with multiple components, periodic repositioning, and sophisticated control systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker with a single support column and a carrier platform that rotates bi-axially, using three linear actuators with spherical hinges and a floating base for universal movement, allowing the platform to face any angle from near the horizon to the zenith and 360 degrees around the support axis, with a simple sensor array to control the orientation towards the sun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices use sensors and sophisticated electronic control systems to track the light source, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical solution. The floating base with linear actuators creates a passive mechanical system that automatically follows the light source through gravity and mechanical constraints, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronic controllers while maintaining tracking precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system is self-regulating through its design. The floating base automatically adjusts its position based on light detection, and the linear actuators self-adjust to maintain the platform's orientation without requiring external control signals or complex algorithms
2Strength
If devices use heavy frame and support structure with multitude of components, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The floating base serves as both a structural support and a mounting platform for actuators. The linear actuators simultaneously provide structural support and enable rotational movement. This merging reduces the total number of discrete components while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The support column serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a guide for the floating base, and serves as a mounting point for the entire assembly. The floating base simultaneously supports actuators, enables movement, and maintains platform orientation, reducing the need for separate specialized components
3Speed
If turret devices use motors, gear mechanisms, chains, and bearings, then rotational movement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems (motors, gears, chains, bearings) with a direct mechanical linkage system. The linear actuators connect directly to the platform through spherical hinges, providing rotational movement without intermediate transmission components, thereby simplifying the mechanism while maintaining movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic mechanical elements that adapt to movement requirements. The spherical hinges provide universal rotational freedom, allowing the platform to orient in any direction without constrained mechanical guides. The floating base dynamically adjusts its position along the support column, enabling smooth rotational movement without fixed mechanical constraints
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices require periodic repositioning or reprogramming, then adaptability to light source trajectory is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous tracking action through its mechanical design. As the light source moves, the sensor continuously detects its position, and the linear actuators continuously adjust the platform orientation to maintain alignment. This eliminates periodic repositioning cycles and ensures uninterrupted tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback through the light detection sensor that monitors the light source position. This feedback is immediately translated into mechanical adjustment through the linear actuators, creating a real-time closed-loop system that continuously adapts to light source movement without delay or periodic interruption
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 tracker efficiently maintains full frontal exposure to the sun throughout the day, reducing energy consumption and assembly complexity, enabling cost-effective and low-maintenance solar energy collection across diverse locations, including high latitudes and varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation of the carrier platform is preferably maintained by three linear actuators
Implementation Method 2
each having one end (the upper end) mounted to the carrier platform by a spherical hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three linear actuators, each having an associated light sensor, are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. The floating base is free to move axially but not radially of the support column. The actuator of a light sensor receiving a lesser amount of radiant energy retracts, and extends when receiving a greater amount of radiant energy. Each light sensor is moved in a stepwise manner, with a predetermined, limited number of steps used to define light source acquisition for tracking purposes.