Modular panel for making covering structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular panels for building structures that integrate solar energy capture and conversion are complex, costly, and difficult to modify, with poor seismic resistance and fire safety, requiring extensive auxiliary support and complex assembly procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel design featuring a base body with a lower and upper shell frame, allowing for easy assembly and modification, incorporating thermal solar and photovoltaic panels with integrated hydraulic and electric circuits, and insulating materials, which can be connected to form a self-supporting structure without additional support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If additional structures are installed on covering structures to integrate solar panels, then energy capture capability is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the covering structure and solar panel support function into a single integrated modular panel. The base body with upper and lower shell frames forms both the covering element and the structural support, eliminating the need for separate additional structures. This integration reduces construction complexity while maintaining energy capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a covering element for the building structure, provides structural support for solar panels, enables energy capture through integrated thermal and photovoltaic panels, and offers thermal insulation through insulating materials. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular panels are designed with integrated energy capture systems, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel is divided into distinct segments: base body, upper shell frame, lower shell frame, thermal solar panel, photovoltaic panel, and insulating materials. Each component can be manufactured independently and then assembled through simple connection means, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the thermal solar panel and photovoltaic panel are positioned within the space defined by the upper and lower shell frames. The insulating materials are disposed between these components, creating a compact nested arrangement that simplifies assembly while integrating multiple functions.
3Strength
If traditional covering structures are used with separate support structures, then structural strength is maintained, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower shell frames are directly connected to form an integrated base body that provides both covering and structural support functions. This eliminates the need for separate support structures like beams and purlins, reducing construction time and cost while maintaining structural strength through the rigid frame connection.
4Ease of manufacture
If materials with poor elastic energy absorption are used, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to weak anti-seismic characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel employs a composite structure combining metal shell frames for structural strength with elastic sealing elements for seismic resistance. The connection means integrate rigid and flexible components, creating a composite system that maintains structural integrity while absorbing seismic energy through the elastic properties of the sealing elements.
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 simplifies assembly and maintenance, reduces construction time and costs, enhances structural strength and fire resistance, and allows for flexible size and shape modifications while optimizing the integration of energy harvesting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal solar panel (16) provided with a capturing surface (52) and a hydraulic circuit (15) inside which a heat-carrier fluid flows
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic panel (18) provided with an electric circuit (17) suitable to absorb solar energy and convert it into electric energy
Implementation Method 3
two metal sheets (35, 36) supported by and respectively connected to the lower shell frame (22) and the upper frame (23), defining between them a first chamber (38) suitable to contain inside it at least a filling element (20) with an insulating function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A modular panel to make covering structures (11) for a building (12) comprises a base body (14) and at least one of either a glass panel (19), a thermal solar panel (16) provided with a hydraulic circuit (15) with a capturing surface, inside which a heat-carrier fluid can flow, and a photovoltaic panel (18) provided with an electric circuit (17) suitable to absorb solar energy and convert it into electric energy, supported by said base body (14).