Balanced Solar Tracker Clamp for Low-Torque Panel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal alignment with the sun's angle, limiting their potential energy output.

Innovation Solution

A fully adjustable solar tracker apparatus with a center of mass aligned with the center of rotation of cylindrical torque tubes, reducing the load on the drive motor and allowing for independent movement of each solar module to optimize alignment with solar radiation, featuring a clam shell clamp assembly and swage fittings for secure and cost-effective assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can be mounted on support structures, but the alignment with the sun's angle is suboptimal, limiting energy conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidalignment adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar tracking system employs adjustable support structures with movable clamps that can dynamically reposition solar panels along the torque tube to different angular positions, enabling the system to adapt to varying sun angles throughout the day and maximize energy conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for continuous adjustment of the solar panel orientation angle by moving the clamp assembly along the curved path of the torque tube, changing the positional parameters to optimize alignment with solar radiation at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional fixed mounting methods are used, then installation is simpler, but each solar module cannot move independently to optimize alignment with solar radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture optimizationVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into discrete adjustable segments where individual solar modules can be independently positioned along the torque tube, allowing each module to be optimized separately while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the solar module to the torque tube, allows for angular adjustment, and enables independent positioning of each module, combining mounting, adjustment, and optimization capabilities in a single mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional welding methods are used for assembly, then structural strength is ensured, but installation costs and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation ease and costVSAvoidassembly connection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional welding connections with a mechanical clamp assembly that uses friction and geometric interlocking to secure solar modules to the torque tube, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining structural integrity and enabling easy installation and adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9970686B2Balanced solar tracker clamp

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 NEXTPOWER LLC

AI summary

A solar tracker apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube.