Articulated Solar Panel Support Elements for Flexible Sunshade Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun protection devices with solar panels face issues in transitioning between operating and rest positions, leading to exposure and damage of textile materials, restricted functionality, and inflexible folding due to rigid solar panels.
Innovation Solution
Designing support elements and solar panels to form an essentially closed jacket in the folded rest position, utilizing radial spokes as solar collectors that integrate seamlessly with conventional textile fabrics, allowing for flexible folding and operation without affecting the sunshade's functionality, and incorporating a clamping device for optimal tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are mounted on the upper side of the shade or integrated into support elements, then solar energy can be absorbed and utilized, but the device cannot be moved back and forth between operating and resting positions, leading to fabric damage and operational restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed with articulated joints that allow them to dynamically change configuration between extended and retracted states. The solar panels are mounted on these movable support elements, enabling them to follow the shade through its range of motion without restriction
Solution Approach 2:
In the retracted position, the support elements with integrated solar panels fold nested within the central shaft assembly. This nesting allows the solar-equipped support structure to compact into a small volume, preventing fabric damage while maintaining solar energy absorption capability when deployed
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are rigidly mounted on the shade structure, then solar energy collection is maximized, but the folding mechanism is affected and the parasol cannot be properly folded
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segmented sections with articulated joints between them. Each segment can independently fold relative to adjacent segments, allowing the rigid solar panels mounted on each segment to maintain their structural integrity while enabling the overall structure to fold compactly
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements incorporate movable joints and hinges that allow the structure to transition between rigid extended configurations for solar energy collection and flexible folded configurations for storage, dynamically adapting to operational requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If the sunshade is permanently tensioned to accommodate solar panels on top, then solar panels can be mounted, but the fabric cannot wrinkle properly during folding and operational flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system is designed with adjustable components that can dynamically modify fabric tension based on the operational state. During folding operations, the tension is relaxed to allow natural fabric wrinkling and movement, while in the extended operational state, tension is increased to maintain fabric tautness for optimal solar panel positioning
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
Enables the sun protection device to absorb solar energy while maintaining operational flexibility, providing a protective jacket for the textile material and allowing partial or full opening, with enhanced structural integration of solar panels, ensuring efficient energy production and reduced material damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one support element is designed as a solar collector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sun protection device comprising a base body and a support structure for a clampable surface structure, the structure having a plurality of support elements, and a device for the utilization of solar energy, characterized in that the support elements (1; 10) divide the surface structure (7; 17) in covering regions (7.1, 7.2; 17.1, 17.2;) and in that at least one support element (1; 10) is designed as a solar panel.