Articulating Solar Array Leaves for Compact Transport and Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Design challenges for articulating and transportable solar power systems include durability during transport and deployment, protection from damage during high wind events, and achieving a compact configuration compatible with transport modes.
Innovation Solution
A solar array design featuring an elongate support, slew drive, and pivotally coupled solar panel leaves, with a base and optional energy storage, allowing for deployment and articulation without failure, and a transport fixture for secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solar panels are made rigid and fixed for durability, then structural strength is improved, but transportability and space efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple leaves that can be pivotally coupled together. Each leaf can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the structure to be disassembled into compact segments for transport while maintaining full structural strength when deployed. The leaves are connected through pivotal couplings that enable both rigid deployment and flexible packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array employs dynamic articulation mechanisms including pivotal couplings and slew drives that allow the structure to transition between deployed and transported configurations. During deployment, the leaves articulate to form a rigid sun-tracking structure; during transport, they fold into compact arrangements. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between structural strength and transportability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are made articulating with multiple moving parts, then adaptability and sun-tracking capability are improved, but reliability and resistance to failure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal couplings are pre-configured with inherent mechanical constraints and alignment features that guide the leaves into correct positions during deployment. This pre-engineered guidance system reduces the risk of misalignment or failure during articulation operations, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling sun-tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism employs self-aligning pivotal couplings that automatically guide the leaves into their correct deployed configuration without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The mechanical design itself provides the alignment and positioning functions, reducing points of failure while maintaining adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If solar arrays are designed for compact transport configuration, then space efficiency is improved, but structural stability and durability during deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into multiple leaves that can be compactly folded during transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. Each leaf is designed to fold into a compact arrangement that minimizes transport volume, yet the same segmented structure assembles into a stable, rigid configuration when deployed with full structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions dynamically between compact transport configuration and stable deployed configuration. During transport, the leaves are folded into a compact arrangement minimized volume. When deployed, the same articulation mechanisms enable the leaves to form a rigid, stable structure capable of withstanding operational loads and maintaining compositional stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar array includes an elongate support having a proximal end and a distal end, a slew drive coupled to the distal end of the elongate support, and first and second pivotally coupled leaves of solar panels, where the first leaf is coupled to the slew drive. In some examples, the solar array further includes a base coupled to the proximal end of the elongate support, and optionally, at least one energy storage system.