Solar Canopy Carport With Trailer Conversion for Storm Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel systems are often permanently mounted and vulnerable to weather damage, and there is a need for a system that can be converted into a street-legal trailer for relocation.
Innovation Solution
A canopy appliance system with removable wheel assemblies, stop-tail-signal lights, clamps, and ground-anchoring assemblies that can be converted into a street-legal trailer, featuring a suspension system with compression springs and shock absorbers, and anchoring mechanisms for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are permanently mounted on a fixed structure, then they provide stable electricity generation, but they become vulnerable to weather damage and cannot be relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the canopy structure convertible between stationary and mobile states. The canopy frame with solar panels can be permanently installed to provide stable electricity generation, or converted to a trailer configuration with removable wheels and hitch assembly for relocation. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain reliability when stationary while enabling escape from weather damage through relocation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the canopy system into separable components: the main canopy structure with solar panels, removable wheel assemblies, anchoring systems, and a hitch assembly. This segmentation allows the solar panel system to remain intact and functional while enabling the structure to be converted into a trailer for relocation, thus protecting it from weather damage while maintaining electricity generation capability.
2Reliability
If solar panels are permanently mounted on a fixed structure, then they provide stable electricity generation, but they cannot be easily relocated or transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the canopy structure dynamically adaptable by incorporating removable wheels and a hitch assembly that can be attached or detached as needed. This allows the structure to function as a permanent installation for stable electricity generation or be converted into a relocatable trailer, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and relocatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the canopy structure to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a fixed carport for electricity generation, be converted into a trailer for relocation, or be anchored to the ground for storm protection. The same basic structure adapts to different needs through the addition or removal of components like wheels, hitches, and anchors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the structure is converted into a trailer for relocation, then it becomes portable and weather-resistant, but it requires additional components and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trailer conversion components into distinct, removable units: wheel assemblies, hitch assembly, anchoring systems, and lighting components. Each segment can be independently attached or removed from the canopy structure, simplifying the conversion process and reducing the perceived complexity by allowing selective assembly based on specific needs.
4Reliability
If ground-anchoring assemblies are used to secure the structure, then it resists uplift and sliding during storms, but it requires additional components for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into separate components that can be independently installed and removed: ground anchors, anchor interface members, and connecting hardware. This segmentation allows the anchoring system to be added only when storm protection is needed, rather than being a permanent part of the structure, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability when required.
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 provides a portable and weather-resistant solar power generation solution that can be easily relocated and securely anchored, offering both carport functionality and street-legality.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels that convert sunlight to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
suspension system with compression springs and shock absorbers
Implementation Method 3
suspension system with compression springs and shock absorbers
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a canopy appliance system with solar panels providing a carport, and a set of add-on elements comprising wheels and a dolly. With none of the set of add-on elements assembled to the appliance the appliance stands alone on the four posts and provides a carport and electricity to the inverter connector, and with the removable wheels assembled to two rear posts, the stop-tail-signal lights mounted facing rear on the two rear posts, the beam cross piece mounted spanning the forward posts presenting the first trailer hitch, the tubes clamped between posts on each side, the rear posts and the forward posts, the dolly in place with the hitch ball on the dolly engaging the first trailer hitch, the second trailer hitch positioned forward, and the tubes clamped in place, the free-standing appliance becomes a street-legal trailer that may be licensed as such.