Solar Tracker Transmission Rod Joint for Low-Screw Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker connection systems face difficulties during assembly due to complex junctions and numerous screws required for fastening, leading to potential vibrations and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A connection system for solar trackers using a transmission rod with a polygonal cross section and universal joints, where the rod is slidably connected to one universal joint and fixedly connected to another, eliminating the need for screw fastenings and allowing for easier assembly and reduced vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tube junctions with multiple screws are used to connect transmission rod sections, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple rod sections into a single monoblock transmission rod with integrated connection features. The universal joints are directly formed as part of the rod structure rather than being separate components requiring assembly, eliminating the need for tube junctions and multiple fastening screws while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously serves as the connection interface between rod sections and the attachment point for fastening to the rotation module. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate junction components and reduces the total number of fastening operations required.
2Reliability
If numerous screws are used for fastening the transmission rod to universal joints, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the assembly time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure integrates the universal joint and the connection interface into a single unified component. The universal joint itself serves as the fastening element, eliminating the need for separate screws and fasteners while maintaining secure mechanical connection between the transmission rod and rotation module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the screw fastening mechanism from the connection system. Instead of using screws to attach the universal joint to the rod, the design uses the integrated universal joint structure with direct mechanical engagement, removing the time-consuming screw fastening operation entirely.
3Ease of manufacture
If circular cross section rods are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the mechanical behavior and torsional stiffness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a square cross-section for the transmission rod instead of a circular section. This asymmetric geometry provides enhanced torsional stiffness and mechanical strength while remaining manufacturable using standard machining processes. The square profile also facilitates better engagement with the universal joint connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system of a transmission rod for solar trackers of rows of solar panels, the transmission rod of which connects a main rotation shaft to a motorised rotation module to a driven shaft with a rotation module without a motor, being connectable to the rotation modules by universal joints that are fastened to the connection output, wherein the universal joint has at one connection end corresponding to the connection output, and at the other end of the universal joint corresponding to a tubular connection output with a polygonal cross section for connection with the transmission rod correspondingly having a polygonal configuration, and with a first end longitudinally slidably connectable to the connection output of a first universal joint and with a second end fixedly connectable to the connection output of a second universal joint.