Dual Ring-Gear Solar Tracker Drive to Reduce Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems with two axes of rotation are heavy, complex to assemble, and prone to torsion due to direct driving mechanisms and bulky components, which increases gear motor torque and compromises precision.
Innovation Solution
A motorized drive system featuring two ring gear sectors orthogonal to the axis of rotation, a transmission shaft with drive pinions, and a motorized drive mechanism that reduces gear motor torque and separates ring gear sectors to minimize torsion, allowing for lighter and quicker assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontal beam with direct driving between the transmission shaft and the platform is used, then the platform can be rotated along the horizontal axis, but the system becomes particularly heavy and bulky, increasing the weight of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ring gear into two separate ring gear sectors that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the transmission shaft to be positioned centrally between them, reducing the moment arm and consequently the required gear motor torque. The segmented structure also eliminates the need for a bulky horizontal beam, significantly reducing the overall weight of the moving platform while maintaining rotational capability.
2Ease of operation
If a ring gear sector is placed in the middle of the platform on the vertical axis of rotation, then the platform can be rotated, but the structure becomes particularly exposed to risks of torsion along the horizontal axis under wind imbalance, compromising tracking precision
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ring gear into two separated sectors positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the vertical axis, the patent eliminates the torsional imbalance problem. The symmetric distribution of the two sectors around the vertical axis ensures balanced wind load distribution, preventing torsion of the platform along the horizontal axis and maintaining high tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs symmetric asymmetry by positioning two identical ring gear sectors at opposite locations relative to the vertical axis. This symmetric arrangement creates balance in the system, counteracting asymmetric wind loads and preventing torsional deformation that would compromise tracking precision.
3Ease of operation
If direct driving between the transmission shaft and the platform is used, then the platform can be rotated, but particularly high gear motor torque is required, increasing the complexity and size of the motor unit
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the ring gear into two separated sectors positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the vertical axis reduces the moment arm distance from the transmission shaft to the gear engagement points. This geometric optimization significantly reduces the required gear motor torque while maintaining effective platform rotation capability.
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 system reduces sag and torsion on the platform, decreases weight, and optimizes deflected curves, enabling precise tracking with reduced gear motor torque and improved structural cohesion.
Implementation Method 1
two ring gear sectors extending in two planes orthogonal to the axis of rotation... a transmission shaft supporting, in particular on both of its ends, two drive pinions in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors
Data Source
AI summary
Motorized rotational drive system (8) for rotating a framework about an axis of rotation, preferably a horizontal axis of rotation, for a solar collector tracker support system, said motorized system comprising: two ring gear sectors (80) extending in two planes orthogonal to the axis of rotation and provided with means of attachment to said framework; a transmission shaft (82) supporting two pinions (81) in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors (80) for synchronized rotation of said ring gear sectors (80); and a motorized drive means for driving the rotation of said transmission shaft (82).