Automatic biaxial sun tracking mechanism for sun ray utilization devices

Patent · Tue Aug 25 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5778352

Hansen, P A

The instant invention is an automatic biaxial sun tracking mechanism for use with sun ray utilization devices. Said devices are mounted on said invention, said devices forming no specific part of said invention. The invention is comprised of four principal parts: (1) a mount structure for positioning and supporting said sun ray utilization devices, (2) a polar shaft, (3) a declination crankshaft, and (4) suitable connecting members. Operation of the invention is as follows: the daily axis of said polar shaft is oriented parallel to the earth's polar axis. Said connecting members hold in a mutually perpendicular arrangement the daily axis of said polar shaft, the seasonal axis of a pivot pin for said mount structure, and the main journal axis of said declination crankshaft. Said connecting members with attached parts have suitable means to rotate about said daily axis one revolution per day. Said crankshaft has suitable means to rotate about said main journal axis one revolution per year. A suitable linkage, which simultaneously engages said crankshaft and said mount structure, serves to translate the rotary motion of said crankshaft into alternating pivotal motion of said mount structure. Modifications to the basic direct tracking form of the invention may be made for indirect tracking, heavy duty crankshaft and associated parts, and corrective compensation for a variety of rotational means.

• Assignee: IFI; EDB-82-038765
• Patent Number(s): US 4285567
• OSTI ID: 5778352
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
JOINTS
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
SHAFTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING
SUPPORTS