Portable solar tracker
The tracking device of the present disclosure includes a platform, support structure, and a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a plunger, an interior space, an aperture, and a fluid within the cylinder. Forward actuation of the plunger within the interior space the fluid to be pushed through the aperture. The platform is operably connected to the plunger, so that movement of the plunger causes the platform to rotate about a pivot point of the support structure. The tracking device can have a solar panel connected to the platform. The tracking device can also be used in any application where tracking would be of use, such as for surveillance, or time-lapse photography.
1. A tracking device, comprising:
a platform;
a support structure comprising a pivot point about which said platform rotates;
a hollow cylinder having an interior space therein and a fluid in said interior space wherein said fluid is air;
an aperture in said cylinder, so that said aperture is in fluid communication with said interior space;
a capillary tube connected to said aperture, so that said capillary tube is also in fluid communication with said interior space; and
a plunger within said interior space, so that said plunger moves along a longitudinal axis of said cylinder within said interior space,
wherein movement of said plunger causes said fluid to move through said aperture and said capillary tube, and
wherein said plunger is operably connected to said platform, so that movement of said plunger causes rotation of said platform about said pivot point, wherein a cable is connected to said plunger and said platform, so that movement of said plunger pulls on said cable, causing rotation of said platform.
2. The tracking device of claim 1 , further comprising a weight on said platform.
3. The tracking device of claim 1 , further comprising a solar panel connected to said platform.
4. A tracking device, comprising
a platform;
a support structure comprising a pivot point about which said platform rotates;
a hollow cylinder having an interior space;
an aperture in fluid communication with said interior space;
a plunger within said interior space, so that said plunger moves along a longitudinal axis of said cylinder within said interior space,
wherein movement of said plunger causes said fluid to move through said aperture and said capillary tube, and
wherein said plunger is operably connected to said platform, so that movement of said plunger causes rotation of said platform about said pivot point, wherein said interior space is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are separated by a divider wall, and said aperture is in said divider wall.
5. The tracking device of claim 4 , further comprising a spring within said first chamber, wherein said spring is in contact with and applies tension to said plunger.
6. The tracking device of claim 4 , wherein said cylinder further comprises a tube in fluid communication with said aperture in said divider wall, said first chamber, and said second chamber, to facilitate the flow of said fluid between said first chamber and said second chamber.
7. The tracking device of claim 4 , further comprising a check valve in said divider wall, wherein said check valve restricts flow of said fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber.