Portable Solar Panel Case With Pivot Supports for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and use of silicon-based solar panels in harsh military environments are hindered by transportation difficulties and the need for rapid deployment, as well as their sensitivity to such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable, rugged, and durable solar energy collection device comprising a pair of containers, solar modules, and U-shaped support members that allow for easy deployment and adjustment of solar panels to optimal angles, integrating shipping and packaging into the system for efficient and rapid setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are transported in conventional packaging, then they can be protected during shipping, but deployment time increases and rapid setup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping container is merged with the deployed solar panel structure. The container serves dual purposes: protecting panels during transport and serving as the support base for the deployed panels. This eliminates the need for separate packaging and setup structures, enabling rapid deployment by simply opening the container and pivoting the panels into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are pre-positioned within the container in a compact, protected state during manufacturing and shipping. All necessary components and mounting structures are pre-integrated into the container design, so that upon arrival at the deployment site, the panels are ready for immediate deployment without requiring additional assembly or preparation steps.
2Reliability
If solar panels are made rugged for harsh environments, then durability improves, but weight increases making transport more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels utilize composite material construction combining rigid photovoltaic cells with flexible or lightweight mounting structures. The container itself is designed as a lightweight yet durable structure that provides protection without excessive weight, balancing the need for ruggedness with transportability in military field conditions.
3Ease of operation
If solar panels are deployed at fixed positions, then setup is simplified, but adaptability to different environmental conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel mounting system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that allow the panels to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations. The U-shaped support members and pivot mechanisms enable the panels to be adjusted to optimal angles for different times of day, seasons, and geographic locations, while still maintaining simple deployment from the container.
4Productivity
If multiple solar panels are transported together, then logistics efficiency improves, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is segmented into modular units, each consisting of one or more solar panels integrated with its own container and support structure. This segmentation allows multiple independent modules to be transported together efficiently while maintaining simple, standardized deployment procedures for each module, avoiding the complexity of deploying large interconnected systems.
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 enables safe transportation, rapid deployment, and reliable operation of solar panels in harsh environments, enhancing their durability and efficiency while minimizing setup time and weight, and allowing for adjustable angles to optimize energy collection.
Implementation Method 1
solar modules, and a pair of U-shaped support members... solar energy collection device... photovoltaically generating electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention typically features integrative configurability for transportation/storage, and disintegrative configurability for operation. Two half-cases are coupled to obtain a case. A case is uncoupled to obtain two half-cases. Each half-case houses a solar panel (pivotably connected to the half-case) and a U-bar (pivotably connected to the solar panel). The solar panel is pivoted away from the half-case's interior to the angle-of-inclination desired for collecting solar energy. The U-bar is pivoted away from the solar panel's back to securely fit into one of plural parallel slots provided across the half-case's interior, the U-bar thereby holding the solar panel in place at the desired angle-of-inclination. The half-cases are laid flat individually to collect solar energy. A half-case is “compacted” by pivoting the U-bar proximate the solar panel's back and pivoting the solar panel proximate the half-case's interior. Two complementary half-cases, each compacted, are (re)attached to form a portable case.