Adjustable Solar Panel Holder for Dispenser Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered dispensers often fail to generate adequate electrical power due to suboptimal angles of solar panels relative to ambient light sources, limiting their operational efficiency and flexibility in placement.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable solar-power unit with a rotatable holder and solar elements that can be positioned to maximize ambient light capture, allowing for optimal power generation and enabling remote placement relative to the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are fixed at a predetermined angle on the dispenser, then the dispenser structure is simple, but the power generation efficiency is insufficient due to suboptimal angles relative to ambient light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel assembly is segmented from the dispenser body, mounted on a separate adjustable holder that can be positioned independently. This allows the solar panel angle to be optimized for light capture while keeping the dispenser structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel is mounted on an adjustable holder with pivoting capability, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This enables the solar panel angle to be optimized for maximum light capture while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward mounting mechanism.
2Productivity
If solar panels are mounted directly on the dispenser, then the power generation angle can be optimized, but the dispenser placement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An independent adjustable holder serves as an intermediary between the solar panel and the dispenser. This mediator allows the solar panel to be positioned optimally for power generation while the dispenser can be placed flexibly in various locations without being constrained by solar panel mounting requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are mounted on a remote support housing, then the dispenser placement flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a dispenser unit and a separate solar power unit with an adjustable holder. This segmentation allows the solar panel to be mounted remotely on a support housing while maintaining relatively simple structural connections through electrical wiring and mechanical mounting components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances power generation efficiency by allowing solar panels to be oriented for maximum light capture, enabling reliable operation of dispensers in various locations with varying light conditions, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and increasing placement flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar element carried by said holder and adapted to be electrically coupled to the dispenser, wherein said holder is rotatably moved to adjust the angle of said at least one solar element with respect to incoming ambient light received thereby, in order to generate power for the dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable solar-power unit to power a dispenser includes a support housing maintaining a receiving aperture to rotatably retain a solar panel carrying holder therein. The adjustable solar-power unit is configured to be mounted remotely from the dispenser or may be configured to be integral with a housing that maintains the components of the dispenser. The holder may be rotated or pivoted so that the angle of incidence of the ambient light can be substantially perpendicular with that of the solar elements carried by the holder to generate an optimal amount of electrical power therefrom in order to power the dispenser.