Tripod Solar Tracker Pier Assembly for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar trackers is costly and time-consuming due to the use of piers that require heavy machinery and lengthy processes, such as pile driving or in-situ casting.
Innovation Solution
A pier design for solar tracking systems featuring a bearing housing assembly, frame with A-profile legs and crown, and mounting bracket, coupled with fasteners and inclined washers, allowing for secure attachment without traditional fasteners, and a damper assembly with upper and lower mounts to stabilize the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional piers are used with heavy machinery for installation, then structural stability is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pier is divided into multiple segments (first pier segment and second pier segment) that can be assembled on-site without requiring heavy machinery. The bearing housing assembly is also segmented with separate mounting brackets that can be attached to the frame members, enabling modular construction and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housing assembly serves as an intermediary component between the pier segments and the solar tracker mechanism. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies connection without requiring specialized equipment, acting as a mediator that reduces the need for heavy machinery during installation.
2Strength
If traditional piers with heavy machinery are used, then adequate support strength is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pier structure is segmented into multiple components that can be manufactured separately using standard construction materials and methods, then assembled on-site. This reduces the need for expensive specialized equipment while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pier design enables self-service installation where standard construction equipment can be used instead of specialized heavy machinery. The bearing housing assembly and mounting brackets are designed to be installed using conventional methods, reducing dependency on expensive specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If complex fastening methods are used to secure the bearing housing, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented with separate attachment points that simplify the fastening process. Each bracket can be independently attached to frame members using straightforward connection methods, reducing overall fastening complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housing assembly is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different frame member configurations. The mounting brackets provide multi-functional attachment capabilities that simplify the fastening process across various installation scenarios without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 3A
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A pier for a solar tracker includes a plurality of legs coupled to one another to form a tripod type formation. The plurality of legs includes a saddle interposed between one of the plurality of legs and the remaining plurality of legs. The pier further includes a motor bracket. The motor bracket includes a first and a second half section. The first and the second half sections configured to receive a portion of the saddle therebetween.