Solar Charging Mount for Vehicle-Mounted Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in being easily charged within vehicles due to limited solar charging capabilities when mounted, as suction cup mounts restrict solar cell orientation and surface area, and traditional charging methods are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A mount with embedded or attached solar cells that can be flexibly positioned and oriented for maximum solar exposure, incorporating a rechargeable battery system for powering the device, allowing secure and versatile placement on various vehicle surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suction cup mounts are used to attach solar cells, then the solar cells can be mounted on smooth surfaces, but the mounting location is limited and cannot be easily moved or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible adhesive mounting system that allows the solar cell array to be conformally attached to various curved and irregular vehicle surfaces. The flexible substrate enables the solar cells to adapt to different geometries while maintaining ease of installation and repositioning, resolving the contradiction between surface compatibility and mounting flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are incorporated into electronic devices, then continuous power can be provided, but cost, complexity, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the solar cell function from the electronic device by using an independent, removable solar cell array that mounts separately on the vehicle. This segmentation allows the solar charging function to be added without increasing the complexity, cost, or size of the electronic device itself, while still providing continuous power capability through the separate solar array and battery system.
3Reliability
If rigid mounting structures are used for solar cells, then stable power generation is achieved, but the ability to orient for maximum solar exposure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable and reconfigurable mounting mechanisms that allow the solar cell array to be dynamically repositioned and reoriented. The mounting system enables users to adjust the angle and direction of solar cells to maximize solar exposure while maintaining stable power generation through secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and orientational flexibility.
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 efficient and flexible solar charging of portable electronic devices, providing reliable power without the need for frequent removal or cumbersome charging cables, while allowing easy repositioning and optimal solar exposure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar cell positioned on or incorporated into the base or the attachment mechanism for charging the rechargeable battery and/or directly powering the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a base with frictional attachment to prevent movement during use
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device comprises a base for placement on a vehicle dashboard or other surface; an attachment mechanism positioned on the base for removably coupling with the electronic device; a battery system including a rechargeable battery positioned within the base or the attachment mechanism for providing power to the electronic device when it is coupled to the attachment mechanism; and at least one solar cell positioned on or incorporated into the base or the attachment mechanism for charging the rechargeable battery.