Portable Solar Panel with Adjustable Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels lack portability and flexibility, making them cumbersome for use in various applications, and there is a need for a lightweight and reconfigurable solar panel assembly that can efficiently generate power for portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel assembly with a modular design that includes a support system allowing the panel to be repositioned between orientations, a power output connector for portable devices, and a leg that can be extended to prop the panel upright, enabling flexible use and efficient energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional solar panels are used, then they can generate electrical power, but they lack portability and are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel assembly is divided into modular components including a solar panel, support system, and optional accessories that can be selectively coupled and decoupled. This segmentation enables portable transportation while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system includes adjustable legs and positioning mechanisms that allow the solar panel to be dynamically repositioned between multiple orientations. This dynamic capability provides flexibility in different usage scenarios while keeping the panel lightweight and portable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed solar panel design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to various applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate different solar panel configurations and orientations. The same basic support structure serves multiple functions including positioning, stabilization, and angle adjustment across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with accessories and support elements compactly stored within the main assembly. This nesting approach maintains adaptability while reducing overall size for portable applications.
3Weight of moving object
If the solar panel is made lightweight for portability, then it becomes portable, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel assembly utilizes composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, combining lightweight properties with sufficient structural integrity. This enables portable design without compromising the panel's ability to withstand operational stresses.
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 modular solar panel assembly provides a lightweight, portable, and flexible solution for generating electrical power, allowing efficient energy harvesting and preventing overheating through adjustable orientations and ventilation, suitable for use with portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of solar cells are configured to absorb light energy from a light source to generate electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel assembly includes a solar panel and a module releasably coupled to the solar panel. The solar panel includes a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of solar cells provided along the front surface. The plurality of solar cells are configured to absorb light energy from a light source to generate electrical power. The module includes a support that is selectively repositionable between a first orientation and a second orientation and a load device attached to the support and electrically coupled to the plurality of solar cells such that the module stores electrical energy produced by the plurality of solar cells.