Flex has been granted a patent for a solar tracking system that features a solar array, support structure, driveshaft, and an articulation system with a gearbox. The system includes a motor and controller designed to detect faults and manage motor windings, enhancing operational efficiency. GlobalData’s report on Flex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Flex, Photovoltaic roof tiles was a key innovation area identified from patents. Flex's grant share as of June 2024 was 45%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Solar tracking system with fault detection and motor control
The granted patent US12047033B2 outlines a solar tracking system designed to enhance the efficiency of solar energy collection. Central to the system is a solar array supported by a robust structure, which is coupled to a driveshaft that allows for rotational movement. The system features an articulation mechanism that includes a gearbox and a motor, enabling the driveshaft to rotate in response to the sun's position. A key innovation is the controller, which monitors the system for faults, particularly those caused by the winding up of the driveshaft. Upon detecting such a fault, the controller can short the motor's windings to prevent damage and can also redirect power generated from the unwinding process to a load, such as an energy storage device or heating element.
Further claims detail the system's complexity, including multiple bases and articulation systems that work in unison to optimize solar tracking. Each articulation system can be equipped with its own motor and gearbox, allowing for coordinated movement across several driveshafts. The actuator design incorporates a power screw mechanism, facilitating precise control over the driveshaft's rotation. Additionally, the system may include a torsion sensor to detect excessive winding, enhancing the reliability and safety of the solar tracking operation. Overall, this patent presents a comprehensive approach to solar tracking technology, emphasizing fault detection and energy management to improve solar energy harvesting.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
