Light source tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracking devices are limited in their ability to continuously and economically track the sun across various locations and weather conditions, often requiring complex and heavy structures with multiple components, periodic repositioning, and sophisticated control systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker with a single support column and a carrier platform that rotates bi-axially, utilizing three linear actuators with spherical hinges and a floating base for continuous adjustment, combined with a simple sensor array to maintain orientation towards the sun, allowing for 360-degree tracking from horizon to zenith.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices rotate about only one or two axes with sophisticated control systems, then tracking capability is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker uses a self-regulating mechanism where photo sensors directly control actuator movement without complex electronic control systems. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting the panel position based on light detection, eliminating the need for sophisticated control algorithms, microprocessors, or programming while maintaining full tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical-optical control mechanism. Photo sensors connected directly to actuators create a simple feedback loop where light intensity variations mechanically drive position adjustments, substituting complex electronic control with direct opto-mechanical coupling
2Ease of operation
If turret mechanisms with motors and gear mechanisms are used, then rotational movement is achieved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes heavy mechanical components such as motors, gear mechanisms, chains, and bearings from the system. Instead, it uses lightweight actuators that directly drive rotation without intermediate mechanical transmissions, significantly reducing the weight of moving parts while maintaining rotational movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic actuators that can adjust their output based on real-time light sensor feedback, replacing static heavy-duty motors with adaptive lightweight actuators that provide only the necessary force for tracking, reducing overall system weight while maintaining operational capability
3Measurement precision
If periodic repositioning or reprogramming is required, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but loss of time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker operates continuously without periodic repositioning or reprogramming interruptions. The photo sensors and actuators maintain constant tracking action, smoothly following the sun's movement across the sky throughout the day, eliminating dead time associated with periodic recalibration or repositioning cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from photo sensors to actuators that constantly adjust panel position in real-time based on light intensity variations. This continuous feedback loop maintains tracking accuracy without requiring periodic reprogramming or manual intervention, as the system self-corrects continuously
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 achieves efficient and economical solar tracking across a hemisphere, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs, with the ability to track the sun throughout the day and in varying latitudes, including high-latitude regions, without requiring digital clock settings or seasonal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source tracking array which monitors the spatial location of the desired point light source (typically the sun) and controls the movement of the linear actuators to position the carrier platform to 'face' the sun
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three linear actuators, each having an associated light sensor, are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. The floating base is free to move axially but not radially of the support column. The actuator of a light sensor receiving a lesser amount of radiant energy retracts, and extends when receiving a greater amount of radiant energy. Each light sensor is moved in a stepwise manner, with a predetermined, limited number of steps used to define light source acquisition for tracking purposes.