Pyramidal Wall Sections With Triangular Solar Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular wall systems lack efficiency and speed in deployment, especially in emergency response situations, and do not effectively utilize space or materials for quick setup in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar panel assembly and wall section system featuring triangular solar panels that can transition between flat and inverted pyramid configurations, integrated with energy storage and a conductive frame for enhanced energy efficiency and reduced wind resistance, utilizing carbon fiber and 3D printing for lightweight and durable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modular wall systems use traditional flat panel configurations, then they are simple to manufacture and install, but they deploy slowly and occupy excessive space during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is divided into modular panels that can be independently folded and assembled. Each panel contains segmented solar panel assemblies that can transition between flat and pyramidal configurations, allowing rapid deployment without requiring complex integrated mechanisms across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel assemblies incorporate movable hinges and mounting mechanisms that allow dynamic transformation between flat and inverted pyramidal configurations. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt its shape during deployment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized moving joint components.
2Weight of moving object
If the wall system uses lightweight materials for quick deployment, then transportation efficiency improves, but structural strength and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The wall sections utilize composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or aluminum alloy framing with high-strength fastening mechanisms and reinforced joint connections. This composite approach maintains overall lightweight characteristics while providing sufficient structural strength for emergency response applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical structural components and joint connections are pre-assembled and pre-tested during manufacturing to ensure structural integrity is achieved through proper assembly rather than relying solely on heavy materials. This preliminary preparation allows lightweight materials to achieve required strength through correct configuration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are arranged in fixed flat configurations, then manufacturing is simple, but energy capture efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel assemblies use movable hinges and mounting posts that enable each panel to dynamically adjust its angle and orientation. This dynamic configuration allows the panels to optimize their solar energy capture by facing different directions and angles depending on sunlight position, while the modular hinge design keeps the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions solar panels from a two-dimensional flat arrangement to a three-dimensional inverted pyramidal configuration. This dimensional change increases the surface area exposed to sunlight from multiple angles simultaneously, improving energy capture efficiency while the modular nature of the pyramidal structure maintains manufacturing simplicity.
4Loss of time
If traditional wall systems are used for emergency response, then material availability is good, but deployment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is segmented into pre-fabricated modular panels that can be independently transported and quickly assembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated solar panels and structural components, allowing parallel assembly of multiple sections to rapidly construct walls without complex on-site manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components: structural framing, solar panel mounting, and energy storage elements are integrated into unified modular assemblies. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled and assembled, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized multi-functional units.
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 system enables rapid deployment, increased energy storage capacity, reduced wind resistance, and cost savings through improved fuel efficiency, while maintaining power output and adaptability to various geometric shapes.
Implementation Method 1
Each triangular shaped panel is a solar panel responsive to a first spectrum of light
Implementation Method 2
an associated hinge connects the triangular shaped panel to the mounting post. The at least three triangular shaped panels can move between a flat configuration and an inverted pyramid configuration
Implementation Method 3
The solar panel assembly also includes an energy storage component
Data Source
AI summary
Solar panel assemblies and wall sections using such assemblies are described. In one solar panel assembly, there is a mounting post and three or more triangular shaped panels. Each triangular shaped panel is a solar panel responsive to a first spectrum of light and transparent to a second spectrum of light. The solar panel assembly also includes hinges which connect the triangular shaped panels to the mounting post. The at least three triangular shaped panels can move between a flat configuration and an inverted pyramid configuration. In a further embodiment of the solar panel assembly, the triangular shaped panels form a first solar panel layer, and the assembly also includes one or more additional solar panel layers. Each of the additional solar panel layers being responsive to an associated spectrum of light.