Modular Telematics Mount With Inclined Solar Panel Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telematics units for transport containers face inefficiencies in energy supply due to dirt accumulation on solar panels, which reduces their effectiveness over time, especially in varying weather conditions and locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular telematics unit with a receiving device featuring a base body with inclined rails that house a solar panel at an angle, allowing rainwater and wind to wash away dirt, combined with a ventilated housing and modular design for easy assembly and expansion, using glass fiber reinforced plastic and a flexible attachment system to accommodate thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solar panel is attached horizontally to the transport container, then it is easy to assemble and install, but dirt accumulates on the surface reducing energy efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is mounted at an inclined angle rather than horizontally, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents dirt accumulation by allowing rainwater to naturally wash the surface, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while remaining easy to assemble using the rail system
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal mounting to a three-dimensional inclined mounting by using rails at different heights, adding a vertical dimension that enables self-cleaning functionality without complicating the assembly process
2Loss of energy
If the solar panel is inclined to prevent dirt accumulation, then energy efficiency is maintained, but the assembly and installation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is segmented into modular components including a base body, separate rails at different heights, and a solar panel, allowing the inclined configuration to be assembled from simple individual parts rather than requiring a complex pre-assembled structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables the inclined angle for dirt prevention, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If the telematics unit is made modular with detachable components, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telematics unit is divided into modular components including a base body, rails, housing, and solar panel that can be independently assembled and detached, enabling adaptability to different applications while keeping each individual component simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (mounting structure, housing support, solar panel attachment) are merged into a single integrated receiving device that uses a unified rail system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining modularity and adaptability
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 provides a self-sufficient and efficient energy supply for telematics units, ensuring continuous operation by minimizing dirt accumulation on solar panels and accommodating different environmental conditions, while maintaining robustness and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination of the solar panel is achieved by the rails running parallel to the base plate and the respective distance of the rails to the base plate is different, whereby the outer surface of the solar panel is inclined at an angle α to the outer, opposite surface of the bottom plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a receptacle device for a modular telematic unit, comprising a base body (20) having at least two opposite rails (21; 22) between which at least one housing (30) and one solar panel (40) are releaseably inserted. Various components of the modular telematic unit, such as a rechargeable battery, a GPS module, or a board can be accommodated in the housing (30).