Solar Panel Tracker with Alternating Pivot Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar trackers for small-sized solar panels require complex constructions and high manufacturing costs due to dual tracking mechanisms for east-west and north-south movements, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A compact solar tracker with a single tracking mechanism for east-west orientation, utilizing an automatic connection/disconnection device and a lifting mechanism to pivot the solar panel around two parallel shafts, allowing for efficient sun tracking while maintaining a fixed inclination in the north-south direction, thus reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a dual tracking mechanism (east-west and north-south) is implemented, then sun tracking efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun tracking efficiencyVSAvoidtracking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the north-south tracking function from the dual-mechanism system, retaining only the east-west tracking mechanism. The base is fixed at the optimal inclination angle for the specific latitude, eliminating the need for complex north-south adjustment while maintaining effective sun tracking through the simplified single-mechanism east-west rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using two active tracking mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by fixing the north-south inclination at the optimal angle and using only one active tracking mechanism for east-west movement. This inversion reduces complexity while preserving tracking effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a dual tracking mechanism is implemented, then sun tracking coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun tracking coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the north-south tracking mechanism from the system, extracting only the essential east-west tracking function. This reduction in components directly lowers manufacturing costs while the fixed base at optimal inclination ensures adequate sun tracking coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a simpler, more economical tracking mechanism that uses fewer expensive components. The single east-west rotation mechanism with fixed inclination base is cheaper to manufacture than dual-mechanism systems, providing cost-effective sun tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a single tracking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sun tracking efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking mechanism complexityVSAvoidsun tracking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by fixing the base at a specific inclination angle optimized for the local latitude. This location-specific optimization ensures that the single east-west tracking mechanism achieves sufficient tracking efficiency for the particular geographic location, compensating for the reduced mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Speed

If the solar panel is continuously lifted, then sun tracking responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking responsivenessVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by alternating between lifting and lowering the solar panel in discrete steps rather than continuous movement. The panel is lifted when transitioning from east-facing to south-facing orientation, and lowered when transitioning from south-facing to west-facing orientation, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous lifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by lowering the panel instead of continuously lifting it. This inversion reduces energy consumption by utilizing gravity during the lowering phase, requiring less actuator energy while maintaining tracking responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2743605B1Solar tracker

Publication Date: 2016.04.27 SOLTEC ENERGIAS RENOVABLES

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AI summary

The solar tracker comprises a base (1) and a solar panel (2) having first and second opposite ends (2a, 2b). The first end (2a) can be connected to the base (1) by a first shaft (E1) and the second end (2b) can be connected to the base (1) by a second shaft (E2), such that said solar panel (2) can pivot with respect to the base (1) alternately around the first shaft (E1) and around the second shaft (E2) under the drive of a lifting mechanism. An automatic connection/disconnection device connects the second end (2b) of the solar panel (2) to the base (1) while at the same time disconnecting the first end (2a) of the solar panel (2) from the base (1), and vice versa, every time the solar panel (2) reaches a position parallel to the base (1) for inverting the inclination of the solar panel (2) with respect to the base (1).