Floating PV Panel Support Structure With Inflatable Floats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular floating photovoltaic panel support systems have high manufacturing costs due to complex mechanical structures and require significant know-how for plastic envelope production, with transportation of large, semi-rigid components being a further challenge.
Innovation Solution
A modular floating panel support system where the structure for transmitting network forces is a separate plastic element with low wall thickness, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly without tools, and the use of inflatable or semi-open floats for easier transportation and assembly on-site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a welded tube structure is used for the floating device, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the float structure and the force transmission structure into a single integrated plastic body. The plastic envelope serves both as the flotation element and as the structural component that transmits network forces, eliminating the need for separate welded tube structures and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal tubes requiring welding to plastic material that can be molded as a single piece. This parameter change enables the structure to be manufactured through molding processes rather than mechanical assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the plastic envelope wall thickness is increased to withstand network forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the plastic consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the wall thickness of the plastic envelope according to the local stress requirements. The wall thickness is increased only in specific areas where network forces are transmitted, while other areas maintain thinner walls to reduce plastic consumption. This localized reinforcement optimizes the balance between strength and material usage.
3Reliability
If semi-rigid or rigid float parts are used, then the float function is improved, but the transportation bulk increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the float structure inflatable rather than rigid. The plastic envelope can be deflated for compact transportation and storage, then inflated at the installation site to provide the necessary flotation and structural functions. This dynamic transformation between compact and functional states reduces transportation bulk while maintaining float reliability.
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and facilitates the transportation and installation of floating photovoltaic panel systems by using lightweight, easily assembled components that can be inflated or stacked for efficient site assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a float function: the plastic envelope tightly encloses a volume of air to ensure the flotation of the device
Implementation Method 2
or even be an inflatable element... which contains a volume of air ensuring flotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A floating support device (1) for a photovoltaic panel, comprising: • - a structure (2) comprising coupling elements (3) for coupling to other floating devices in such a way as to allow a network (R) of floating devices to be formed, • - one or a plurality of floats (4), intended to ensure that the device does float, which are rigidly connected to said structure (2), • - elements for holding at least one photovoltaic panel (P), and in which said structure is an element separate from said float(s) so as to allow forces to be transmitted between the floating devices of the network without transmitting the forces from the network to said float(s).