Spring counter-balance assemblies and solar trackers incorporating spring counter-balance assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracking systems face inefficiencies due to the need for dead spaces and increased complexity when balancing rotation around the center of gravity, leading to higher structural material requirements and torsional deflection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating spring counter-balance assemblies into solar trackers to balance rotation, eliminating the need for center of gravity pivot points and allowing for uncomplicated structures without dead spaces, reducing material usage and torsional deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If center of gravity pivot points are used to balance rotation, then the mechanical system is balanced and stress on drive system is reduced, but dead spaces are created and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the balancing function from the center of gravity pivot point location and relocates it to spring counter-balance assemblies positioned at the ends of the torque tube. This removes the need for complex bearing housings at multiple locations along the torque tube, eliminating dead spaces while maintaining balance stability through the spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring counter-balance assemblies act as intermediary elements that provide the balancing function without requiring direct pivot points at the center of gravity. The springs serve as mediators between the torque tube and the support structure, enabling balance while simplifying the overall structural configuration.
2Reliability
If center of gravity pivot points are used to balance rotation, then the mechanical system is balanced, but structural material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for heavy bearing housings and support structures at multiple locations along the torque tube. By concentrating the balancing function at the ends through spring assemblies, the overall structural material requirements are reduced while maintaining balance stability.
3Reliability
If center of gravity pivot points are used to balance rotation, then the mechanical system is balanced, but torsional deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the balancing function from intermediate pivot points and relocates it to the ends of the torque tube. This configuration reduces the span over which torsional forces act, thereby minimizing torsional deflection while maintaining balance stability through the spring counter-balance mechanism.
4Productivity
If spring counter-balance assemblies are used instead of center of gravity pivot points, then dead spaces are eliminated and density increases, but the balancing mechanism becomes different
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivot point system with a spring-based counter-balance mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical pivot housings that create dead spaces, thereby increasing land use efficiency. The spring mechanism provides the necessary balancing function through elastic deformation rather than mechanical pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the balancing mechanism from rigid mechanical pivots to flexible spring elements. This parameter change allows the system to achieve balance through controlled elastic deformation, eliminating dead spaces and improving density while maintaining the essential balancing function.
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 spring counter-balance system simplifies the mechanical structure, reduces stress on the drive system, minimizes material requirements, and enhances land use efficiency by eliminating dead spaces and torsional deflection, thereby improving the overall density and operational precision of solar tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the top bracket and the second end is attached to the bottom bracket
Implementation Method 2
a damper positioned substantially parallel to the spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A solar tracker assembly is provided which includes a support column, a torque tube or torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torque tube or torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torque tube or torsion beam, and a spring counter¬ balance assembly connected to the torque tube or torsion beam. An exemplary spring counter¬ balance assembly comprises a bearing housing and a bushing disposed within the bearing housing and configured to be slideably mounted onto the torque tube or torsion beam, and one or more compressible cords made of a flexible material. The compressible cords are located between the bushing and the bearing housing and provide damping during rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly is provided including at least one top bracket and at least one bottom bracket, at least one spring, a damper, and a bracket. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly comprises a bearing housing and a bushing disposed within the bearing housing and configured to be slideably mounted onto the torque tube or torsion beam. The spring counter-balance assembly may include at least one coil spring and a rotational stop. The bushing may be made of an elastomeric material and define one or more air spaces.