Solar Tracker Distribution Unit With Internal Rotating Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking units for solar systems expose hydraulic, steam-flow, and electrical lines along the uprights and support arms, leading to frequent failures, high maintenance costs, and complex installation due to the need for flexible hoses and inaccessible connections.
Innovation Solution
A two-axis tracking system with a distribution unit that reroutes these lines inside the tracking unit, using rotating blocks for a torsionally rigid connection, allowing for sealed and angle-independent routing of lines, and accommodating critical components within a protected housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lines are routed exposed along the uprights and support arms, then installation is simpler, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes lines through the hollow interior of the uprights and support arms, nesting the lines within the structural members themselves. This protects the lines from environmental exposure while maintaining installation feasibility through the designed internal pathways of the structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotating blocks with sealing mechanisms as intermediaries between the fixed line routing and the rotating support arms. These rotating blocks allow rotational movement while maintaining sealed connections, enabling both protection and flexibility.
2Reliability
If lines are routed internally within the uprights and support arms, then reliability improves by protecting from elements, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into modular components with accessible connection points. The rotating blocks and connection flanges are designed as separate, accessible segments that can be serviced without dismantling the entire structure, allowing maintenance while keeping lines protected during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the internal routing system with pre-planned access points and removable components. Maintenance access is prepared in advance through designed connection interfaces that allow quick disconnection and reconnection, making repair easier despite internal routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hoses are used to accommodate tracking movements, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the structural members themselves dynamic by designing them to rotate on their axes to follow the sun's movement. This eliminates the need for flexible hoses, as the rigid structured adapts its orientation dynamically while maintaining fixed, sealed line connections throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flexible hose system with a rotational mechanical system. Instead of using flexible connections to accommodate movement, the system uses controlled rotation of rigid components with sealed interfaces, simplifying the overall mechanical design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rotation around horizontal axis is unrestricted, then adaptability improves, but structural stability worsens due to potential over-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates limit switches and mechanical stops that prevent over-rotation before it can cause structural damage. These protective mechanisms are built in advance to counteract potential instability from excessive rotation, allowing full adaptability within safe boundaries.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a distributor unit (54) for a tracking unit (43) for a solar collector, said distributor unit (54) comprising at least one first line section (55) with a first rotational block (15a), which is designed to establish a fluidic connection between the first line section (55) and a base element, in particular an upright (11), and a second line section (56) with a second rotational block (15b), which is designed to establish a fluidic connection between the second line section (56) and a first support arm (6) of the solar collector, wherein the first line section (55) is rotatably connected to the first rotational block (15a), and the second line section (56) is rotatably connected to the second rotational block (15b).