Foldable Photovoltaic Panel Support Assembly With Pivoted Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing foldable support assemblies for photovoltaic panels are difficult to assemble and require a large number of bolts, making them inconvenient to install and take up excessive space during transport.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly design featuring pivotably mounted components, including support beams, standing posts, strengthening bars, and horizontal beams, which fold into a compact shape for transportation and easily assemble into a stable configuration using connecting shafts and cotter pins, allowing for efficient installation and reduced space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the support assembly is designed as individual components requiring multiple bolts for assembly, then the structure can be foldable and reduce transport space, but the assembly process becomes difficult and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (support beam, standing posts, strengthening bars, horizontal beams) into an integrated foldable structure where parts are pivotably connected. This merging approach maintains the foldable capability for space reduction while eliminating the need for multiple separate bolts, as the pivot connections serve both structural and assembly functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly employs dynamic pivot connections that allow the structure to transition between folded and unfolded states. These pivot points enable easy assembly and disassembly without requiring bolt tightening or loosening, as the same pivot mechanism facilitates both the structural connection and the folding motion.
2Volume of moving object
If the support assembly uses a foldable design with multiple components, then transport space is reduced, but the number of bolts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connections in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable folding motion, and act as assembly fasteners. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bolt components, reducing both the number of parts and the complexity of assembly while maintaining the foldable design for space efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bolted assembly is used for foldable support components, then structural stability can be achieved, but installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connections are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, allowing the components to automatically find their correct position and lock into place through the pivot mechanism itself. This self-service feature eliminates the need for time-consuming bolt tightening procedures while maintaining structural stability through the inherent mechanical advantage of the pivot design.
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 enables convenient assembly and disassembly, reduces storage space, and provides a stable support structure for photovoltaic panels while maintaining ease of transportation and installation.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of standing post 20 and the strengthening bar 30 rotate relative to the support beam 10 and are received in the support beam 10 respectively
Implementation Method 2
connecting shafts and cotter pins, allowing for efficient installation and reduced space usage
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for supporting photovoltaic panels includes a plurality of support units connected one by one. Each of the plurality of support units includes a support beam, a pair of standing posts, a strengthening bar and at least one horizontal beam. The pair of standing posts, the strengthening bar and the at least one horizontal beam are pivotably mounted on the support beam via connecting members. When used, the strengthening bar rotates relative to the support beam and collectively constitutes a triangle with the support beam and one of the pair of standing posts to avoid distortion. When packaged, the pair of standing posts and the strengthening bar rotate relative to the support beam to be received in the receiving groove respectively, and the at least one horizontal beam rotates relative to and is disposed in parallel to the support beam.