Solar Tracker Shaft Support Clamp Assembly to Replace Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for solar trackers with welded attachments are slow and expensive to manufacture, and the presence of a hinge complicates installation and assembly, hindering production rates and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A support device for a rotating shaft of a solar tracker featuring a support column, a support plate, and a clamp with side clamp sections that use screws and slots for assembly, eliminating the need for welding and hinges, allowing for easier installation and manufacturing through sheet metal stamping processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded attachments are used to connect support plate and clamp, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing speed decreases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding mechanical system with a screw-fastening mechanical system. The support plate and clamp are connected through multiple screws that pass through aligned holes, eliminating the need for welding operations while maintaining connection strength. This substitution enables faster assembly and facilitates sheet metal stamping manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into multiple separate components (first clamp section, second clamp section, third clamp section) that are independently manufactured and then assembled to the support plate using screws. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately through stamping processes and assembled quickly without welding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge is used to connect clamp and support plate, then rotational movement is enabled, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rotational movement through the articulated connection between the first and second clamp sections, which are linked by a connecting element allowing relative rotation. This dynamic capability is achieved without adding a separate hinge mechanism, thereby maintaining simple installation procedures while providing the necessary adaptability for different bearing positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple welded connections are used in support device, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welded connections with screw-fastening connections throughout the support device assembly. The support plate is connected to the clamp sections, and the clamp sections are connected to each other using screws, eliminating welding operations entirely. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity through proper screw selection and placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection method from permanent welding to reversible screw fastening, which allows for easier assembly and disassembly. This parameter change in the connection system reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary structural stability for supporting the bearing and rotating shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
The support device for a rotating shaft of a solar tracker comprises a support plate (2) fixed to an upper end of a support column (1), and a clamp (3) comprising a lower clamp section (4) with a foot (7) fixed to the support plate (2) by means of screws (43) and an arcuate seat (9) for a bearing (52), and first and second opposite side clamp sections (5, 6) having upper ends at which there are arranged respective connecting elements (10, 11) connectable in an articulated manner to one another and lower ends at which there are arranged respective fixing and clamping elements (12, 13) configured for fitting onto the foot (7) and for being tightened against one another and against the lower clamp section (4) by means of a tightening screw (14).