Foldable Solar Canopy Assembly for Fast Modular Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting solar collector panels are inefficient and costly due to excessive material usage and time-consuming installation processes, particularly in developed areas where land needs to be used for other purposes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable solar canopy structure that can be compactly transported and easily unfolded for attachment to a base, featuring hingably interconnected solar panel arrays, support channels, and beams with integral hinges, allowing for efficient assembly and installation with reduced on-site labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elevated structures are used to support solar collector panels in developed areas, then the panels can be installed above land used for other purposes (parking lots, playgrounds, etc.), but the structures require excessive amounts of steel support materials and result in high construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled from smaller components. Each section contains standardized elements that can be configured in different arrangements, reducing the total amount of custom steel work required and enabling efficient fabrication and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structure components are pre-fabricated and pre-assembled in controlled manufacturing environments before being transported to the installation site. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction time and material waste, while ensuring quality control and structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elevated structures are used to support solar collector panels, then the panels can be installed in developed areas, but the on-site construction process takes an excessive amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into modular units that can be independently assembled and then quickly connected together on-site. This modular approach dramatically reduces installation time compared to traditional custom-built structures, while maintaining the ability to adapt to different land use requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary action ensures that on-site assembly requires minimal additional work, significantly reducing the time the land is disrupted during construction.
3Strength
If traditional elevated structures are constructed with excessive materials, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but labor costs and construction expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses segmented modular components that are optimized for strength-to-weight ratio. Each module is designed to bear specific loads efficiently, ensuring overall structural integrity while minimizing the total amount of material and labor required compared to traditional monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes structural parameters such as member dimensions, connection methods, and material specifications to achieve the minimum necessary strength requirements. This parameter optimization reduces material usage and associated labor costs while maintaining adequate structural strength for the application.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is L-shaped viewed on end.