Collapsible Equipment Tower with Base-Mounted Solar Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible equipment towers for remote locations are complex, expensive, and cumbersome due to the need for diesel generators, heavy solar panels, and complex mechanisms, making them difficult to transport, install, and maintain, while also posing environmental and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible equipment tower with a pivot support and retractable locking member that allows for easy conversion between extended and contracted configurations, incorporating a solar panel below the pivot joint to reduce weight and wind load, and a base with adjustable ballast for stability, enabling manual operation and efficient transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are located at the top of the equipment tower, then power supply is achieved, but the equipment becomes heavily heavy and requires stronger support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is repositioned from the traditional top position to a lateral position on the base, changing the spatial dimension of power generation. This dimensional shift moves the weight from the support structure to the base, reducing the moment load on the tower while maintaining power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with adjustable ballast that can be positioned to counterbalance the weight of the solar panel and equipment. This counterweight mechanism allows the tower to remain stable while using lighter support structures, as the ballast compensates for the distributed weight
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are located at the top of the equipment tower, then power supply is achieved, but wind load creates large moment at the base requiring wide stabilisers
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is repositioned from the traditional top position to a lateral position on the base, changing the spatial dimension of power generation. This dimensional shift moves the weight from the support structure to the base, reducing the moment load on the tower while maintaining power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The base design incorporates preliminary counterbalancing features with adjustable ballast that anticipates and counteracts the wind load effects. By positioning weight low and providing adjustment capability, the system pre-compensates for wind-induced moments, reducing the need for oversized stabilisers
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms are provided for raising and lowering equipment, then maintenance access is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex built-in raising and lowering mechanisms are extracted and replaced with simple manual removal and repositioning of the pivot support. The equipment can be accessed by manually detaching and repositioning components, eliminating the need for expensive automated mechanisms while maintaining maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The tower design allows operators to perform maintenance by manually repositioning components themselves, without requiring complex automated systems. The simple pivot and locking mechanisms enable easy manual operation for equipment access and reconfiguration
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed dimension towers are used, then structural stability is achieved, but transport and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower transitions from a fixed dimension design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The pivot support can be positioned at multiple heights and angles, and sections can be detached for compact transport. This dynamic capability allows the tower to be configured for stability during operation and compactness during transport, eliminating the trade-off between the two states
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 design results in a lightweight, easily transportable, and cost-effective equipment tower that can be easily installed and maintained, reducing environmental impact and operational complexity while maintaining effective power supply and equipment support.
Implementation Method 1
a base supporting a solar panel
Implementation Method 2
the pivot support being pivotally connected to the base frame at a pivot joint at the proximal end, the pivot support being pivotable between a substantially upright position in the extended configuration and a transverse position in the contracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible equipment tower is operable between an extended configuration and a contracted configuration. The equipment tower has a base, having a base frame and supporting a solar panel, and a pivot support, having a distal end for supporting equipment and a proximal end. The pivot support is pivotally connected to the base frame at a pivot joint at the proximal end and is pivotable between a substantially upright position in the extended configuration and a transverse position in the contracted configuration. A retractable locking member is provided at the proximal end of the pivot support adjacent to the pivot joint. The locking member is adapted to be extended from the proximal end and secured to the base frame in the extended configuration and to be retracted in the contracted configuration.