Modular Solar Shade Structure with Prefabricated Truss Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar shade structures are custom-built on-site, leading to high costs, limited flexibility, and permanent installation, which discourages property owners due to the lack of pre-fabricated standardized components that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reused.
Innovation Solution
The use of pre-engineered, pre-fabricated, and pre-approved modular building blocks for solar shade structures that include column members, horizontal beams, truss assemblies, and panel supports, allowing for adaptable and standardized design and installation, with options for temporary or permanent foundations, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-built on-site construction is used for solar shade structures, then structural precision and code compliance are achieved, but design and installation costs increase substantially and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The solar shade structure is divided into modular components (panels, frames, mounting systems) that can be pre-fabricated with precise manufacturing standards in a controlled environment, then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows precision manufacturing to occur off-site while reducing overall installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized design templates and pre-engineered components are prepared in advance before site-specific customization. The modular components are pre-fabricated with precise dimensions and specifications, and pre-approved engineering designs are prepared beforehand to accelerate the overall process while maintaining code compliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-engineered solar shade structures are fabricated for each site, then site-specific requirements are met, but flexibility for relocation and reuse is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized modular components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This modularity enables the structure to be adapted to different site configurations while maintaining the capability for relocation and reuse of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting systems and connection mechanisms are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different site requirements and enabling easy disassembly for relocation. The standardized interfaces facilitate rapid reconfiguration at new sites.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent installation methods are used for solar shade structures, then structural stability is ensured, but disassembly and relocation become virtually impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into removable joint components that provide stable structural connections during operation but can be easily disassembled when relocation is needed. Standardized connection interfaces maintain structural integrity while enabling controlled disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting systems incorporate adjustable and reconfigurable connection mechanisms that provide stable fixation during operation but can be quickly released and repositioned. The dynamic connection design allows transition between stable installation and easy disassembly states.
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
This approach reduces design and installation costs, enhances flexibility, and allows for quick adaptation to site-specific requirements, facilitating the creation of modular solar shade structures that can be reused, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional custom-built systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each pedestrian seating area solar shade structure incorporates an array of solar photovoltaic panels that when activated generate enough electrical energy to illuminate the LED lights
Data Source
AI summary
A shade structure assembly includes at least one column member. A horizontal beam is secured at a top end of the column member. A first rail is secured to a first end and a second rail is secured to a second end of each horizontal beam. At least one truss assembly is secured to the rails. The truss assembly includes at least two truss members arranged in spaced parallel relation. Structural supports connect the truss members along two of the truss beams and panel supports connect the truss members along two of the truss beams. The panel supports mount a panel array. Each truss member may comprise a center truss portion and one or both of a first and second truss extension. Each truss member may be comprised of a universal center truss portion and one or both of a first and second truss extension.