Articulating Solar Cargo Carrier for Vehicle Bed Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar power systems integrated with cargo hauling capabilities on vehicles face challenges such as space interference, operational inefficiencies due to condensate occlusion, and compatibility issues between solar charging and cargo hauling functions.

Innovation Solution

A deployable solar power unit and cargo hauler assembly featuring an articulating platform frame, a heated solar panel, and a cargo carrier, which allows the solar panel to be moved between stowed and deployed positions without interfering with the cargo carrier, and includes heating elements to mitigate condensate occlusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If solar panels are deployed on vehicle beds for charging, then solar energy collection capability is improved, but cargo hauling space and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy collectionVSAvoidcargo hauling space

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the vehicle bed space into distinct functional zones: a solar panel deployment area and a cargo hauling area. The articulating frame allows solar panels to be segmented and positioned independently, enabling simultaneous cargo hauling and solar energy collection without complete overlap of functional spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating frame mechanism introduces angular positioning as an additional dimension for solar panel deployment. Instead of only horizontal placement, panels can be articulated to various angles and positions, allowing solar collection to occur in three-dimensional space above or adjacent to cargo areas, thereby resolving the two-dimensional space conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If solar panels are fixed in deployed position for maximum energy collection, then solar charging efficiency is improved, but cargo carrier accessibility and operational flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar charging efficiencyVSAvoidcargo carrier accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic articulating mechanisms that allow solar panels to transition between fixed deployed positions for optimal energy collection and movable positions for cargo accessibility. The articulating frame enables real-time repositioning, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements rather than being statically fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating frame structure serves multiple functions: it supports solar panels in deployed positions for energy collection, allows panels to be moved aside for cargo access, and provides structural support for both solar and cargo operations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between fixed positioning for efficiency and mobility for accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If solar panels cover maximum surface area for energy collection, then power generation is improved, but condensate occlusion from frost, snow, ice, or moisture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidcondensate occlusion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The articulating frame enables solar panels to be dynamically positioned at various angles rather than remaining flat and fixed. By articulating panels to angled positions, condensate such as frost, snow, and ice can slide off more easily due to gravity, reducing occlusion while maintaining sufficient power generation through optimized angular positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of panel orientation from flat horizontal to articulated angled positions. This parameter change affects both power generation (through optimal angle exposure) and condensate management (through gravity-assisted drainage), resolving the contradiction between maximizing power and minimizing occlusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enables efficient and compatible deployment of solar power and cargo hauling functions on vehicles, improving operational efficiency by preventing interference between solar panels and cargo carriers and effectively addressing condensate occlusion issues.

Implementation Method 1

presenting the solar panel to receive solar energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

includes heating elements to mitigate condensate occlusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12202441B2Solar panel and articulating cargo carrier

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 VAN STRATEN ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A vehicle bed deployable solar power unit and cargo hauler assembly includes an articulating platform frame, a solar panel and a cargo carrier. The solar panel is carried by the articulating frame moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cargo carrier is supported by the articulating platform frame movable relative to the solar panel to prevent operational interference between the solar panel in articulated positions and the cargo carrier. A method is also provided.