Modular Floating Element Sealing for Lower-Cost Solar Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating elements for supporting photovoltaic panels are costly due to expensive blow moulding techniques and are cumbersome as unique bodies, leading to high transport and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular floating element comprising a first and second element that can be seal-coupled together, allowing for efficient transportation and assembly, reducing costs through injection moulding and enabling easier connection and sealing for stable coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blow moulding technique is used to produce floating elements, then the floating element can be produced as a unique body, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element is divided into two separate elements that can be produced independently using injection moulding, avoiding the need for complex blow moulding equipment. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective production while maintaining the functional integrity of the floating structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If floating element is produced as a unique body, then structural integrity is maintained, but transport cost increases due to bulky volume
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element is segmented into two separate elements that can be stacked or nested during transport, significantly reducing the volume occupied. This segmentation maintains structural integrity when assembled at the destination while optimizing transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The two elements are designed to be stackable or nestable, allowing one element to be placed inside or on top of the other during transport, thereby minimizing the overall volume required for transportation and reducing transport costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If two separate elements are used instead of unique body, then transport and production costs reduce, but coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism integrates sealing and mechanical connection functions into a unified system where the protrusion fits into the recess with automatic sealing. This merging of functions simplifies the overall coupling process despite using two separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-sealing, where the protrusion and recess automatically find their correct position and create a seal without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures. This self-service capability reduces coupling complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Floating element (1) for realizing floating structures for supporting photovoltaic panels and method for producing said floating element (1). The floating element (1) comprises: a first element (2) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a first coupling portion (3); a second element (4) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a second coupling portion (5). The first element (2) and the second element (4) are mutually configured so that the first coupling portion (3) and the second coupling portion (5) can be seal- coupled with respect to each other so that they define a sealed chamber, when coupled.