Solar Display Assembly With Overhead Panels for Off-Grid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic displays require significant electrical power, which is often drawn from the grid or vehicle batteries, leading to increased costs, environmental impact, and reduced fuel efficiency, especially for mobile units.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered display assembly that integrates solar energy harvesting devices to generate power, with excess energy stored in batteries or returned to the grid, and includes a controller to manage power distribution between solar, battery, and grid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy harvesting devices are integrated to power displays, then reliance on grid power is reduced and environmental impact decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar energy harvesting devices, energy storage devices, and display units into an integrated assembly. The solar panels are mounted on supports that also serve as mounting structures for the display units, merging energy generation, storage, and display functions into a unified system that reduces grid dependency while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures serve multiple functions: they mount the solar energy harvesting devices, provide structural support for the display units, and in some embodiments, act as mounting structures for energy storage devices. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the complexity issue while achieving energy independence.
2Power
If solar energy harvesting devices are mounted above display units, then power generation is maximized, but visibility and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy harvesting devices are mounted on supports positioned at specific locations above the display units, such that they capture sunlight effectively while leaving the display viewing areas clear. The supports are configured to provide shade to specific portions of the display units during certain times of day, optimizing both power generation and visibility by creating localized shading patterns rather than complete obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional display surface to a three-dimensional arrangement where solar panels are mounted on vertical or angled supports above the display plane. This dimensional change allows solar energy harvesting without blocking the horizontal viewing area of the display, as viewers can see over or around the support structures.
3Power
If solar energy harvesting devices have larger footprint than display units, then power generation is improved, but aerodynamics and maintenance access are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy harvesting system is divided into multiple smaller solar panels mounted on separate supports rather than one large array. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access individual display units and supports independently, improving maintenance access while still achieving sufficient total power generation through the combined area of multiple solar panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are designed with adjustable or movable components that allow the solar panels to be positioned at optimal angles for power generation while maintaining clearance for maintenance access. The system can dynamically adjust the configuration of supports and panels to balance power generation efficiency with accessibility requirements.
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
Reduces reliance on grid power, decreases environmental impact, and improves fuel efficiency by utilizing solar energy to power displays, with efficient power management ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
One or more solar energy harvesting devices may be provided as part of the assembly and may be in electrical connection with the one or more display units and/or other components of the assemblies
Implementation Method 2
Excess energy may be stored at one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) and/or returned power sources such as, but not limited to, the power grid
Data Source
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AI summary
Solar powered display assemblies and systems and methods related to the same are provided. A solar energy harvesting device is located above, and spaced apart from, a housing for an electronic display by way of at least one support member. The solar energy harvesting device is electrically connected to the electronic display. The housing defines a first footprint and the solar energy harvesting device defines a second footprint which is larger than the first footprint. The solar energy harvesting device is positioned to at least periodically cast shade on the electronic display.