Back to results
US 4,172,739 AGranted
Sun tracker with dual axis support for diurnal movement and seasonal adjustment
AssigneeSolar Homes, Inc.
InventorDevon Tassen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sun tracker including a dual axis support for following diurnal movement of the sun and a drive mechanism for providing motive force about a first axis of the support. Accurate movement of the tracker about a second support axis is caused by a system of cables and a cooperating cable engaging arcuate surface shaped to produce the necessary movement about the second axis to maintain the tracker in appropriate orientation with the sun throughout the day. Seasonal adjustment is effected by adjusting the cable lengths.
Claims18
A seasonably adjustable diurnal sun tracking apparatus, comprising
- (a) a base;
- (b) frame means defining a plane;
- (c) mounting means for mounting said frame means on said base for rotational movement about a first axis which is fixed relative to said base and about a second axis which is different from said first axis to permit the plane defined by said frame means to be positioned perpendicularly to the direction of direct sun light throughout each day of the year;
- (d) drive means connected with said support means for providing motive force to rotate said frame means about said first axis of rotation;
- (e) frame positioning means for rotating said frame means about said second axis of rotation in response to rotation of said frame means about said first axis, said frame positioning means including
- (1) at least one flexible, inextensible connecting member connected between said base and said frame means, and
- (2) connecting member guide means fixedly connected to said base for engaging a variable portion of said flexible connecting member when said frame means is rotated between first and second arcuate positions spaced about said first axis, whereby the effective length of said flexible connecting member extending between the guide means and said frame means is varied to cause said frame means to rotate about said second axis in an amount appropriate to maintain said plane perpendicular to the direction of direct sunlight.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.