Tracking device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module tracking devices are complex, requiring numerous drives and making maintenance difficult due to drives being located at the top of posts, which are hard to access.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device with toothed rings and wheels where the wheels are mounted on the sides of posts, allowing for a centralized drive system and positive guide means to prevent transverse displacement, simplifying installation and maintenance by reducing the need for elevated access and minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drives are mounted at the top of posts to enable tracking motion, then the tracking function is achieved, but accessibility for installation and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is relocated from the vertical dimension (top of posts) to the horizontal dimension (side of posts at ground level). The toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of each post at ground level, engaging with the toothed ring (7) on the crossmember, thereby maintaining tracking functionality while dramatically improving accessibility.
2Device complexity
If a row of posts with crossmembers is used to support solar modules, then structural support is provided, but the number of drives required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple toothed wheels (8) are merged into a single drive system by mounting them on a common shaft that runs through all posts. This allows one drive unit to control the tracking motion of multiple crossmembers simultaneously, reducing the total number of drives needed while maintaining structural support through the distributed post-cros smember framework.
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 solution provides a robust, easily mountable, and reliable tracking system that reduces engineering effort and ensures smooth operation even under external interference, with improved accessibility and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tracking device (1) for solar modules (2a) with a series of posts (3) arranged along a longitudinal axis. A crossmember (6) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), and said crossmembers (6) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. There is fastened to each crossmember (6) a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8) mounted on the respective post (3). Also provided is a positive guide means which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel (8) relative to the toothed ring (7). Each toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of the respective post (3).