Solar Tracker Pivoting Unit With Locking Drive Arch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking apparatuses for solar modules face challenges in assembly complexity and vulnerability to damage from wind-induced vibrations, which can cause torsional moments and structural stress.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting unit with a simplified structure featuring a cross member pivotable about a pivot axis, a drive arch with drive and retaining recesses, and a rotatably mounted drive device that engages alternately in these recesses to pivot and lock the cross member, preventing torsional moments and allowing for quick assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used to secure the gearwheel and ring gear against transverse displacement, then the tracking apparatus achieves reliable gear engagement, but the structure becomes more complex and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of securing the ring gear and gearwheel against transverse displacement into a single integrated device. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of gear engagement, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated securing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the ring gear against transverse displacement, secures the gearwheel against transverse displacement, and maintains proper gear engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices while ensuring reliable operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tracking apparatus uses a conventional rigid connection structure, then it maintains structural stability, but it becomes vulnerable to damage from wind-induced vibrations and torsional moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid connections with a dynamic pivoting connection that allows the cross member to rotate about a pivot axis. This dynamic connection absorbs wind-induced vibrations and torsional moments through controlled movement, preventing structural damage while maintaining stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameter from rigid fixed position to controlled rotational movement. The pivoting connection allows angular displacement parameters to change in response to wind loads, transforming the system from statically rigid to dynamically adaptable, thereby resisting vibration-induced damage
3Measurement precision
If the drive device continuously engages the drive arch, then the cross member can be positioned precisely, but the structure is more complex and assembly takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement between the drive device and drive arch into discrete positions using multiple retaining recesses. This segmentation allows the drive device to engage at specific predetermined positions rather than requiring continuous engagement mechanisms, simplifying the structure and reducing assembly time while maintaining precise positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive device operates by periodically engaging with the drive arch at discrete intervals defined by the retaining recesses. This periodic engagement pattern eliminates the need for continuous complex engagement mechanisms, reducing structural complexity and assembly time while achieving precise positioning at each engagement point
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 quick and easy assembly, prevents damage from wind-induced vibrations by locking the cross member in place without transmitting torsional moments to connected components, and simplifies the assembly process by allowing preassembly before site installation.
Implementation Method 1
The drive device comprises at least one eccentrically arranged drive element which engages in at least one of the drive recesses of the drive arch for pivoting the at least one cross member
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting unit for a tracking apparatus for solar modules, comprising at least one cross member pivotable about a pivot axis, at least one drive arch, which is connected to the at least one cross member and has a plurality of drive recesses and a plurality of retaining recesses, and at least one rotatably mounted drive unit, the rotatably mounted drive unit being designed such that it engages in at least one of the drive recesses of the drive arch in order to pivot the at least one cross member. The drive unit is designed in such a way that it engages in at least one of the retaining recesses in order to hold the cross member in a pivoted position.