Gravity-Assisted Solar Panel Deployment Using Counterweight Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile solar power-generating systems require significant manual effort to deploy photovoltaic panels due to their design, which hinders ease of use and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel assembly that utilizes gravitational force to assist in the deployment of panels by connecting them through a deployment mechanism, reducing manual effort, where one panel's gravitational force is converted into a deployment force to rotate another panel into position, and includes a buffer member to facilitate smooth rotation and prevent uncontrolled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photovoltaic panels are deployed by manual folding out with consecutive upward rotations, then the panels can be positioned for power generation, but significant manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The first solar panel acts as a counterweight to the second solar panel through the deployment mechanism. As the first panel rotates downward under gravity, its weight generates a moment that lifts the second panel upward, reducing the manual force needed to overcome gravity during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force acting on the first solar panel, which would normally cause it to fall uncontrollably, is converted into a useful deployment force. The deployment mechanism captures this gravitational energy and transforms it into the lifting force needed to raise the second panel, turning a potentially harmful uncontrolled motion into a beneficial assisted deployment.
2Power
If multiple photovoltaic panels are deployed simultaneously to increase power generation capacity, then the system output increases, but the deployment complexity and manual effort increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism merges the deployment of two solar panels into a single integrated system. The connecting member couples the motion of both panels, allowing them to be deployed simultaneously through one rotational action rather than requiring separate manual operations for each panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a hinge for rotation, a force transmission system, a gravitational energy converter, and a synchronization device for coordinating the motion of multiple panels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each panel.
3Ease of operation
If the deployment mechanism uses the gravitational force of one panel to lift another panel, then manual effort is reduced, but the mechanism requires additional connecting components
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary element that transmits the gravitational force from the first solar panel to the second solar panel. This single intermediate component enables the force transfer and coordinated motion without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the first solar panel itself to provide the lifting force for the second panel. The panels serve their own deployment needs through their mutual gravitational interaction, eliminating the need for external motors, actuators, or additional power sources.
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 system allows for easier and less labor-intensive deployment of solar panels, optimizing their angle and position for maximum energy absorption while maintaining structural stability and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
the first solar panel is arranged to be deployed from the first base position towards the first deployment position at least partially under the influence of a first gravitational force acting on the first solar panel
Implementation Method 2
The spacing can generate a moment of forces about the respective rotation axes, which can be converted into a force acting on or being transferred by the deployment mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the deployment mechanism is coupled to the first solar panel and the second solar panel at a first coupling position and a second coupling position, respectively, wherein the first coupling position and the second coupling position are spaced apart from the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, respectively
Implementation Method 4
the deployment mechanism comprises a buffer member that is arranged to absorb energy and/or to control movement of at least one of the solar panels during deployment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar panel assembly and a mobile unit comprising one or more of said solar panel assemblies. The invention further relates to a method for deploying the solar panel assembly. The solar panel assembly comprises a first solar panel and a second solar panel, wherein the first solar panel is arranged to be deployed at least partially under the influence of a first gravitational force acting on the first solar panel, wherein the solar panel assembly is provided with a deployment mechanism that connects the first solar panel to the second solar panel to convert the first gravitational force into a deployment force assisting the rotation of the second solar panel.