Foldable Solar Panel Case Design for Rapid Military Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread use of solar panels in harsh military environments is hindered by difficulties in transportation and rapid deployment, as well as their vulnerability to such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable, rugged, and durable solar energy collection device comprising a pair of containers, solar modules, and U-shaped support members that allow for easy deployment and adjustment of solar panels to optimal angles, integrating shipping and packaging into the functionality for rapid and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are transported in traditional packaging, then they can be safely protected during shipping, but deployment time increases and rapid setup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping container is merged with the deployed solar panel structure by integrating folding support members and positioning brackets directly into the container walls. The container serves dual purposes: protecting panels during transport and providing structural support during deployment, eliminating the need for separate packaging and setup structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and positioning brackets are pre-configured within the shipping container during manufacturing. When deployed, the panels and supports are already in the correct positions and orientations, requiring only simple unfolding and locking actions rather than complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If solar panels are designed for ruggedness to withstand harsh environments, then durability improves, but portability and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is segmented into modular units that can be independently handled and deployed. Each module consists of a panel, folding supports, and positioning brackets that can be separately managed, making the overall system more portable and easier to deploy while maintaining ruggedness through standardized protective design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as folding structures that transition from a compact, protected state during transport to an extended, rigid support state during deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain portability while providing robust support in the deployed configuration to withstand harsh environments.
3Productivity
If solar panels are configured for rapid deployment, then setup time decreases, but structural stability and reliability in harsh conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are reinforced and pre-configured with positioning brackets and support members that provide immediate structural stability upon deployment. The folding supports are designed with inherent rigidity when extended, and the positioning brackets pre-establish stable geometric configurations that maintain structural integrity in harsh conditions without requiring complex assembly.
4Stability of the object's composition
If solar panels use fixed rigid mounting structures, then structural stability is maintained, but portability and rapid deployment capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a fixed rigid design to a dynamic folding mechanism. The support members can be folded into the container for compact transport and then extended to provide rigid, stable support during deployment. The positioning brackets provide discrete stable positions that maintain structural integrity while allowing the overall system to remain portable and rapidly deployable.
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 solution enables safe transportation and rapid deployment of solar panels in harsh environments, ensuring reliable operation and minimizing setup time while maintaining efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Solar power has been regarded as a prime candidate as a renewable energy source that is capable of being readily deployed and of significantly ameliorating demand for logistical fuel.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention typically features integrative configurability for transportation/storage, and disintegrative configurability for operation. Two half-cases are coupled to obtain a case. A case is uncoupled to obtain two half-cases. Each half-case houses a solar panel (pivotably connected to the half-case) and a U-bar (pivotably connected to the solar panel). The solar panel is pivoted away from the half-case's interior to the angle-of-inclination desired for collecting solar energy. The U-bar is pivoted away from the solar panel's back to securely fit into one of plural parallel slots provided across the half-case's interior, the U-bar thereby holding the solar panel in place at the desired angle-of-inclination. The half-cases are laid flat individually to collect solar energy. A half-case is “compacted” by pivoting the U-bar proximate the solar panel's back and pivoting the solar panel proximate the half-case's interior. Two complementary half-cases, each compacted, are (re)attached to form a portable case.