Fold-Out Solar Module With Sun-Tracking Dual Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar modules are not optimized for transport and temporary use at changing locations, lacking flexibility in space utilization and sunlight exposure, which limits their efficiency and practicality for mobile energy solutions.
Innovation Solution
A solar module design featuring pivotable solar panels mounted on an elongated base support, allowing them to fold into a compact position for transport and extend for maximum sunlight exposure, with a rotatable base support and swivel heads for optimal sun alignment, and a self-cleaning mechanism using sweeping lips between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are mounted in a fixed stationary position, then they provide stable energy generation, but they cannot be easily transported or deployed at changing locations
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module employs dynamic supports that can pivot between a transport position (parallel to base support) and an operational position (obtuse angle approximately 120° to base support). This dynamic configuration allows the module to be easily transported while maintaining stable energy generation when deployed, resolving the contradiction between mobility and reliability
2Volume of moving object
If solar panels are folded compact for transport, then space utilization is optimized, but sunlight exposure area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module is segmented into multiple independent supports with solar panels that can be individually folded or extended. During transport, all supports are pivoted to a parallel configuration for compact storage. During operation, supports are extended to obtuse angles (approximately 120°) to maximize sunlight exposure, effectively resolving the space versus surface area contradiction
3Productivity
If solar panels are extended for maximum sunlight exposure, then energy generation is maximized, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module uses dynamically adjustable supports that pivot between compact and extended positions. When energy generation is prioritized, supports are extended to obtuse angles to maximize sunlight exposure. When transport is needed, all supports are retracted to parallel positions, minimizing space requirement while maintaining the capability for maximum productivity when deployed
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 enables efficient space utilization during transport and maximizes sunlight capture, ensuring optimal energy generation across varying weather conditions and locations, while maintaining structural stability and ease of deployment.
Implementation Method 1
Each solar panel is preferably formed by a flat array of photovoltaic solar cells in order to generate electrical energy directly
Implementation Method 2
the sweeping lip of one solar panel cleans the surface of the neighboring solar panel from dust, snow, rain, leaves, etc.
Implementation Method 3
The base carrier and/or the two carriers and/or the swivel heads, if any, are preferably equipped with a sun position-controlled drive for automatic sun tracking of the solar panels
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar module (1, 1') with at least one plurality of lamellar solar panels (22) which are supported, pivotably about a common axis (23), on an elongated carrier (19) and can be moved between a first position, in which they are situated substantially coinciding one on top of the other and parallel to the carrier (19), and a second position, in which they are situated substantially one next to the other fanned out about the aforementioned axis (23), wherein the carrier (19) can be pivoted out of a housing (2, 2') which receives said carrier together with the solar panels (22) in the first position, said solar module being characterized in that it has two carriers (19) of the aforementioned type equipped in the aforementioned manner with solar panels (22), wherein the two carriers (19) are pivotably articulated onto the diametrically opposed longitudinal ends of an elongated base carrier (9) which is mounted in the housing (2, 2') rotatably about an approximately vertical axis (6).