Thrust surface bearing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-axis solar trackers face challenges on uneven terrain, requiring significant grading and strong structural components to manage slope loads and wind loads, and are inefficient on non-sun-facing slopes, leading to reduced power generation and increased costs due to complex installation and high material requirements.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates integrated articulated and flexure bearing assemblies, mechanical stops, and cantilevered beam modules to allow for flexible installation on varying terrain, reduce material usage, and mitigate wind-induced oscillations, featuring flexible coupling mechanisms and frictional damping to manage angular changes and loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-axis trackers are installed on uneven terrain, then the trackers can operate on sloped land, but significant grading and strong structural components are required, increasing installation complexity and material costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bearing assemblies that allow the tracker structure to adapt its configuration to uneven terrain. The bearing assembly includes articulated components that can adjust to varying ground levels, eliminating the need for rigid, pre-graded installation surfaces and reducing installation complexity on sloped land

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bearing assembly to accommodate terrain variations. By allowing angular adjustments and position changes in the bearing components, the system adapts to different terrain conditions without requiring additional grading or stronger structural components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-axis trackers are installed on non-sun-facing slopes, then the trackers can be positioned on available land, but power generation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslope accommodationVSAvoidpower generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic bearing assembly enables the tracker to optimize its angular position on slopes that do not face the sun. By allowing greater rotational freedom and angular adjustment, the system can track the sun more effectively even on suboptimal slopes, maintaining higher power generation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly is designed to function effectively on various slope orientations and terrain types. This universal design allows the tracker to maintain good sun-tracking performance across different slope conditions, rather than being limited to sun-facing slopes only

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If strong structural components are used to resist wind loads on conventional trackers, then wind-induced structural damage is reduced, but material costs and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind load resistanceVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of wind-induced oscillations into a beneficial damping effect. The bearing assembly incorporates frictional damping mechanisms that dissipate wind energy, reducing structural loads and allowing for lighter materials while maintaining wind load resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary between the tracker structure and wind loads. By introducing frictional damping elements within the bearing, wind-induced oscillations are mitigated before they can transmit full forces to the structural components, reducing the amount of material needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If rigid drive systems are deployed to provide structural resistance to wind loads, then wind load resistance improves, but deployment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind load resistanceVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mechanical drive systems with a bearing assembly that provides wind load resistance through frictional damping. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive rigid structural components while maintaining adequate wind load resistance through the damping effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables efficient solar panel tracking on flat, sloped, and uneven terrain, reducing installation complexity and material costs while enhancing power generation by accommodating terrain variations and minimizing structural damage from wind-induced oscillations.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more bearings and the one or more bearing straps are configured to provide frictional load on the shaft to dampen natural harmonics transmitted through the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional damping: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11515832B2Thrust surface bearing

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 NEVADOS ENGINEERING INC

AI summary

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.