Solar Bike Body With Foldable Panels for Self-Charging Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicles, such as mopeds, electric bikes, and motorcycles, have short duty cycles and rely on frequent charging, which can be inefficient and inconvenient, especially when external power sources are not available.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered bike design that integrates solar panel assemblies on the body, allowing for self-sufficiency and self-charging capabilities, with features like foldable panels, reflective surfaces, and regenerative braking to optimize energy collection and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If electric vehicles use conventional battery charging, then they can operate, but they require frequent charging and external power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating rangeVSAvoidcharging convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle performs self-charging through integrated solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy during operation and when stationary, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure and frequent trips to charging stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panels are integrated directly into the vehicle body structure, merging the energy generation function with the vehicle chassis, allowing the vehicle to generate its own power while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If solar panels are integrated into the vehicle body, then self-charging capability is achieved, but vehicle complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy self-sufficiencyVSAvoidvehicle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses storage compartments, and integrates solar panels for energy generation, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panels are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing them to optimize their angle for maximum sun exposure while maintaining flexibility in vehicle configuration for different operational scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If solar panels are made fixed for stability, then energy collection is optimized, but adaptability to different conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy collection efficiencyVSAvoidpanel configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panels are mounted on adjustable mechanisms that allow them to change angle and position dynamically, optimizing energy collection during operation and allowing different configurations for storage, transport, and charging scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel system is divided into multiple independent segments that can be adjusted, folded, or reconfigured separately, allowing flexible adaptation to different spatial and operational requirements while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables vehicles to operate without external power sources, extending their range and reducing reliance on conventional charging, while optimizing energy collection and storage through innovative design elements.

Implementation Method 1

A solar-powered bike design that integrates solar panel assemblies on the body, allowing for self-sufficiency and self-charging capabilities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

features like foldable panels, reflective surfaces, and regenerative braking to optimize energy collection and storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

one or more electric motors disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric motors configured to rotate at least one of the front and rear wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

one or more electric batteries disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric batteries configured to power the one or more electric motors and to be charged by electric current generated by the first and second solar panel assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3986780B1Solar-powered bike
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 OTHER LAB LLC
  • EP3986780B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3986780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3986780B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A solar-powered vehicle that includes a body having opposing sides and defining a cavity; two or more wheels; a first and second solar panel assembly respectively disposed on the opposing sides of the body; one or more electric motor disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric motors configured to rotate at least one of the two or more wheels; and one or more electric battery disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric batteries configured to power the one or more electric motors and to be charged by electric current generated by the first and second solar panel assemblies.