Scissor Jack Solar Panel Mount for Vehicle Roof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel mounting systems for vehicles, especially recreational and commercial vehicles, face challenges such as manual adjustment risks, limited angular range, and height clearance issues, which hinder efficient energy capture and pose safety concerns during movement.
Innovation Solution
A tilt-adjustable solar panel mounting system with scissor-type lift jacks that allow for independent adjustment of solar panels between 0 and 45 degrees, enabling optimal sun alignment without manual roof access, and a low-profile design to accommodate varying vehicle configurations and bridge clearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of solar panels is performed by climbing on the roof, then the solar panel can be positioned to face the sun, but the risk of falling and damaging the roof increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control system serves as an intermediary between the user and the solar panel adjustment mechanism. The user operates the solar panel tilt and azimuth adjustments from inside the vehicle using a remote controller, eliminating the need to physically climb onto the roof. This mediator approach maintains operational capability while removing the safety risks associated with roof access.
2Ease of operation
If conventional motorized mounting mechanisms are used to tilt the solar panel, then remote adjustment is enabled, but the height of the mounting assembly increases causing clearance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system utilizes the vehicle's roof surface area and lateral space rather than vertical height for achieving solar panel orientation. By employing a scissor-type lifting mechanism that operates within a low profile, the system achieves remote adjustability through horizontal and angular movements constrained within a minimal vertical envelope, thus resolving the clearance issue while maintaining operational capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-axis tilt mechanisms are used, then the solar panel can be angled toward the sun, but the angular range is limited and vehicle re-orientation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two independent rotational segments: one for tilt adjustment and another for azimuth adjustment. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be controlled separately, achieving comprehensive solar tracking capability without requiring a single complex mechanism. The modular segmented design enables the solar panel to face the sun from various vehicle orientations while maintaining manageable device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex mounting assemblies are used to increase articulation range, then the solar panel can track the sun more effectively, but the height over the vehicle roof increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs dynamic, multi-degree-of-freedom joints that allow the solar panel to achieve various orientations through coordinated movement of tilt and azimuth mechanisms. These dynamic mechanisms provide extensive articulation range within a compact configuration, enabling the solar panel to track the sun effectively while maintaining a low profile that prevents height clearance issues during vehicle travel.
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt adjustment system for a solar panel mountable to a vehicle surface has a first panel bracket defined by an upper flat section and a lower flat section. A first lift jack has a jacking head mounted to the upper flat section and a foot mountable to the vehicle surface. An upper face of the solar panel is positioned below a plane of the upper flat section of the first panel bracket. A second panel bracket is defined by an upper flat section and a lower flat section. A second lift jack has a jacking head mounted to the upper flat section and a foot mountable to the vehicle surface. The upper face of the solar panel is positioned below a plane of the upper flat section of the second panel bracket.