Collapsible Lantern Frame with Adjustable Solar Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lanterns lack a practical and efficient mechanism for easy deployment and adjustable solar panel orientation, limiting their usability and efficiency in illumination.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered, collapsible lantern with a frame assembly that allows quick transition between collapsed and expanded positions, featuring a locking sleeve and rib support system for easy manipulation, and a solar panel that can be selectively oriented for maximum sunlight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lantern uses a fixed frame structure, then structural stability is improved, but ease of deployment and storage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first section, second section, third section, and fourth section that can relative move with respect to each other. This segmentation allows the frame to collapse into a compact configuration for easy storage while maintaining structural stability when expanded for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable connector that allows the second section to rotate relative to the first section, and a movable connector that enables the third and fourth sections to move relative to each other. These dynamic connections enable smooth deployment and collapse operations while maintaining structural integrity during both states.
2Ease of manufacture
If the solar panel is fixed in position, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different lighting conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is configured to be movable relative to the frame assembly, allowing it to be adjusted to different orientations and positions. This enables the solar panel to track sunlight more effectively under varying lighting conditions and angles, maximizing energy capture while maintaining a relatively simple attachment mechanism that does not complicate manufacturing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lantern uses a complex locking mechanism, then structural stability during operation is improved, but ease of deployment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages when the frame sections are assembled. The spring applies force to secure the sections together, providing stable structural connection without requiring complex manual intervention. The design allows the structure to self-stabilize through the elastic force of the spring, simplifying the deployment process while maintaining operational stability.
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 easy deployment and efficient illumination with adjustable solar panel orientation, enhancing the lantern's functionality and usability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The power source may include at least one solar panel configured for selective movement to permit adjustable orientation of the at least one solar panel relative to the sun
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered, collapsible lantern that employs a frame assembly of an umbrella and which is movable between a collapsed, storage position and an expanded, deployed position. The solar-powered lantern includes a plurality of light sources supported by the frame assembly for illumination of the lantern and the surrounding environment when the lantern is manipulated from a collapsed, storage position to an expanded, deployed position. The solar-powered lantern may include a removable hook to suspend the lantern from a suspension point. The hook may be interchanged with a removable stake that is insertable into a support surface, to support or otherwise anchor the lantern on the support surface. The power source may include at least one solar panel configured for selective movement to permit adjustable orientation of the at least one solar panel relative to the sun.