Retractable Solar Canopy Structure for Step-Through Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with solar panel roof structures face issues such as bulkiness, increased center of gravity, difficulty in handling, compromised occupant space, poor visibility, and high cost due to complex mechanisms, making them unsuitable for personal transportation vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a split hybrid canopy structure incorporating fixed and flexible solar panel portions that can be retracted or extended, providing maximum exposure when needed and minimizing exposure when not in use, while maintaining visibility and balance, and using lightweight materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a roof structure with solar panels is added to a two-wheeled vehicle, then solar energy capture is improved, but vehicle handling and maneuverability deteriorate due to increased bulk and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel canopy is designed to be retractable and extendable, allowing it to transition between deployed and retracted states. When retracted, the canopy minimizes its profile to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight impact on handling. When deployed, it maximizes solar energy capture. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either energy capture or handling ease depending on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy is divided into multiple segments including a front visor portion and a rear canopy portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the structure to be compact when retracted while still providing functional coverage when deployed, reducing the overall bulk impact on vehicle handling while maintaining solar energy capture capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed roof structure with solar panels is provided, then solar energy capture is improved, but occupant space and visibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable canopy design allows the roof structure to be stowed when not in use, maximizing occupant space and visibility. When deployed, it provides the necessary solar energy capture functionality. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by separating the functional need for solar capture from the spatial requirements during different operational states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to enable solar panel retraction, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy system incorporates a spring-loaded automatic locking mechanism that engages when the canopy reaches its extended or retracted position. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for complex motorized actuators or electronic control systems, achieving adaptability through a simple mechanical self-service mechanism that reduces overall system complexity and cost.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into the canopy structure, then solar energy capture is improved, but weight increases affecting vehicle balance
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable canopy allows the solar panel array to be positioned only when needed for energy capture, rather than being a permanent fixed structure. When retracted, the weight impact on the vehicle is minimized. This dynamic deployment strategy resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve solar energy capture functionality while reducing the average weight burden on the vehicle during operation.
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 enhances solar energy capture without affecting vehicle handling, reduces weight, and maintains occupant space, offering a cost-effective and efficient solar power solution for personal transportation vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of portions containing solar panels or array of photo voltaic cells embedded in the panel capable of receiving solar energy and charging an energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A step-through type vehicle includes: a frame assembly; at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel connected to the frame assembly and rotated by a power unit; and a plurality of portions comprising one or more flexible portions, and one or more fixed portions. The fixed portions include a front structure, a rear structure, and a top structure disposed between the front structure and the rear structure. The flexible portions include at least one retractable member. The top structure and the retractable member include a plurality of solar panels. The retractable member is detachably attached with the top structure, and is retracted upwardly towards the top structure, and stretched downwardly from the top structure towards the front wheel and the rear wheel. The retractable member is foldably stowed inside at least one box like compartment, which is at least one part of the rear structure.