Linearly Deployable Solar Panel Assembly for Mobile Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electricity generation systems lack a deployable and efficient solution for harnessing sunlight and wind energy, and often require fixed installations or complex configurations to optimize energy production.
Innovation Solution
A deployable electricity generator with a movable solar panel assembly that can be stowed within a base container and deployed externally, featuring a support structure with tracks for sliding solar panels between extended and collapsed positions, and a sensor-based controller for optimizing solar panel orientation towards the sun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are fixed in a stationary position, then they can generate electricity efficiently, but they lack portability and adaptability to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the solar panel assembly movable rather than fixed. The solar panels are mounted on a movable platform with wheels, allowing the entire assembly to be transported to different locations. The panels can also be adjusted in orientation and positioning dynamically to optimize sunlight exposure at different sites, thus maintaining electricity generation efficiency while achieving portability and location flexibility.
2Productivity
If solar panels are deployed in an extended position to maximize energy collection, then energy generation efficiency improves, but the device occupies more space and becomes less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the solar panel assembly into multiple separable sections or panels that can be independently adjusted. This allows the panels to be extended outward from the base structure when deployed to maximize energy collection surface area, and then collapsed or retracted into a compact configuration within the base for portable storage and transport, thus resolving the contradiction between energy collection efficiency and portability.
3Device complexity
If solar panels are manually positioned and adjusted, then the system structure remains simple, but the orientation optimization towards sunlight becomes time-consuming and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating sensors (such as light sensors or GPS with solar position algorithms) that automatically detect the position and intensity of sunlight. These sensors feed information to a control system that autonomously adjusts the solar panel orientation and positioning without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability reduces the time needed for orientation optimization while maintaining relatively simple system structure through automated control mechanisms.
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 efficient and flexible generation of electricity using sunlight, wind, and fuel sources, providing a portable and adaptable power solution for various applications by maximizing energy collection and storage.
Implementation Method 1
A deployable electricity generator with a movable solar panel assembly that can be stowed within a base container and deployed externally
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for sensing position of a solar energy source, and a controller for controlling orientation of the solar panel assembly based on the sensed solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile electricity generator comprising a movable solar panel assembly that may be stored in the base and deployed to a use position is provided. The solar panel assembly includes a plurality of solar panels that slide relative to one another between deployed and collapsed positions. The solar panels may be actuated to track a solar energy source. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a battery in electric communication with the solar panels for storing the electricity.