Spring counter-balance assemblies and solar trackers incorporating spring counter-balance assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker 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, which eliminate the need for center of gravity pivot points by using springs and dampers to balance rotation, reducing structural complexity and material usage while minimizing torsional deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If center of gravity pivot points are used to balance rotation, then the stress on the positioning drive apparatus is reduced, but dead spaces are created in the system reducing density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional center of gravity pivot point bearing housing from the system. Instead, it uses a spring counter-balance mechanism attached to the torque tube that provides rotation balancing without requiring a pivot point at the center of gravity, thereby eliminating dead spaces and improving system density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring counter-balance mechanism that acts as a counterweight system. The spring is positioned to counterbalance the weight of the photovoltaic array during rotation, reducing stress on the drive apparatus without requiring dead space for pivot bearings
2Stability of the object's composition
If center of gravity pivot points are used to balance rotation, then the torsion deflection of the supporting structure is reduced, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bearing housing from the center of gravity location, simplifying the structural design. The spring counter-balance mechanism replaces the complex pivot point arrangement, reducing structural complexity while maintaining torsion control through the spring's mechanical properties
3Quantity of substance
If spring counter-balance assemblies are used to eliminate dead spaces, then the system density is improved, but the complexity of the bearing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bearing system at the center of gravity with a spring-based counter-balance mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex pivot point bearings while maintaining rotation balancing functionality, thereby improving density without significantly increasing overall system complexity
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 tracker design, reduces material needs, and eliminates dead spaces, resulting in lower stress on the mechanical drive system and increased land use efficiency by allowing for more compact solar array configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Exemplary embodiments of a spring counter-balance assembly include at least one top bracket and at least one bottom bracket, at least one spring, a damper, and a bracket
Implementation Method 2
spring counter-balance assemblies and solar trackers incorporating spring counter-balance assemblies... to balance the rotation of solar trackers and solar arrays
Implementation Method 3
The damper has a first end and a second end. The first end of the damper is attached to the top bracket, and the second end of the damper is attached to the bottom bracket
Data Source
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.