Solar Tracker Truss Foundation With Adjustable Screw Anchor Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truss foundation systems struggle to accommodate non-standard foundation cases for solar tracker center structures, such as those requiring stronger and lower foundations to handle additional forces, while minimizing the use of non-standard components and maintaining compatibility with existing installation machines and workflows.
Innovation Solution
A truss foundation system using elongated screw anchors with a driving coupler and a two-piece clamp assembly, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of center structures without upper leg sections, enabling the same components and installation processes to be used across different foundation types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard truss foundation components are used for motorized center structures, then component standardization is maintained, but the foundation cannot accommodate the additional forces and lower height requirements of motorized structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the foundation height adjustable through variable length leg sections. The leg sections can be configured in different lengths (e.g., full length, partial length, or removed entirely) depending on whether the foundation supports a motorized center structure or a standard bearing structure. This dynamic adjustment allows the same basic foundation components to adapt to different load requirements and height constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific parts of the foundation system locally rather than changing the entire system. For motorized center structures, the solution involves removing or shortening specific leg sections and adjusting the reveal height locally at the motorized structure location. This allows standard components to be used where appropriate while making targeted modifications where additional forces and lower height are required.
2Strength
If stronger foundations are designed for motorized center structures, then load bearing capacity is improved, but component standardization and installation workflow consistency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a foundation system where the same basic components (screw anchors, leg sections, truss caps) can serve multiple functions depending on their configuration. The leg sections can be used in full length for standard bearing foundations, removed or shortened for motorized center structures requiring lower height and different load paths. This multi-functionality allows one component set to provide both standard and strengthened foundation solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the leg structure into separate, interchangeable sections. The leg assembly consists of multiple leg sections that can be selectively included or excluded based on the foundation type. This segmentation allows the foundation strength to be adjusted by simply adding or removing sections rather than requiring completely different components, maintaining installation workflow consistency.
3Length of stationary object
If lower foundations are used for motorized center structures, then space for torque tube and center structure is increased, but foundation strength to handle additional forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the foundation height adjustable through variable length leg sections. The leg sections can be configured in different lengths (e.g., full length, partial length, or removed entirely) depending on whether the foundation supports a motorized center structure or a standard bearing structure. This dynamic adjustment allows the same basic foundation components to adapt to different load requirements and height constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A center structure support for single-axis trackers to support tracker driver motors and tracker center structures that transfer torque across rows to enable a single tracker motor to rotate the torque tubes of several adjacent rows. A pair of driven screw anchors are joined above ground with a center structure support and a pair of clamp assemblies that capture the driving coupler at the upper end of each screw anchor. The clamp assemblies are captured in distal ends of the center structure support via bolts that enable adjustment center structure relative to the driven legs.