Solar EV Charging Cover With Inflatable Protective Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a multi-use electric vehicle accessory that provides power and shelter, as solar panel technology has not been effectively integrated into many electric vehicle accessories, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered protective car charging cover with a multi-layer design featuring an adjustable-rigid air bladder layer sandwiched between a solar-panel layer and a soft inner layer, capable of directly charging electric cars, inflating the bladder, charging mobile devices, and providing a makeshift tent with DC power, using a power control box to manage external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panel technology is integrated into EV accessories, then power generation capability and functionality are improved, but device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels, air bladder system, and vehicle cover into a single integrated accessory. The solar panels are mounted on the outer surface of the cover, which also houses the air bladder structure, merging multiple functions (power generation, protection, and structural support) into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory serves multiple functions: generating power via solar panels, providing protective coverage for the vehicle, and maintaining structural rigidity through the air bladder system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Strength
If a multi-layer structure with air bladder is used, then protective capability and structural rigidity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an air bladder system within the cover structure that can be inflated to provide structural rigidity and protective capability. This pneumatic approach allows the cover to transition from a flexible state during storage to a rigid state during use, eliminating the need for complex mechanical reinforcement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bladder system allows the cover to dynamically adjust its structural properties. When inflated, the bladder provides rigidity for protection; when deflated, the cover remains flexible for easy storage and deployment. This dynamic characteristic simplifies manufacturing compared to permanently rigid structures.
3Reliability
If solar panels are made rigid for durability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible solar panels that can be bent and folded without compromising their electrical functionality or durability. These flexible panels are integrated into the flexible cover structure, allowing the entire assembly to be rolled or folded for storage while maintaining the solar panels' ability to generate power when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel assembly is designed to be dynamically adaptable - rigid and stable when deployed for power generation, yet flexible and collapsible when needed for storage or transport. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between durability and ease of storage.
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 solar-powered car charging cover effectively trickle charges electric vehicles, provides a protective barrier, and offers multiple configurations for power usage, including charging devices and potentially increasing the vehicle's battery charge without draining the battery further, while also serving as a makeshift tent.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel array attached to the first outer most layer; wherein the wires of the solar panel array are routed through the second middle layer to a charge controller
Implementation Method 2
an electronics box comprising the charge controller, a charging cable, and an air pump; wherein the charge controller provides power to the charging cable and the air pump; and wherein the air pump is connected to and inflates the second middle layer
Implementation Method 3
the electronics box comprises a battery pack charged by the charge controller; the battery pack provides extra charge when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a solar-powered protective car charging cover. The solar-powered car charging cover is designed to directly trickle charge electric cars by bypassing the internal charging power supply whilst also providing a protective barrier around the vehicle. This trickle charge provides enough power for charging cellular phones, powering lights, and other small electronics without further draining the battery and may even produce a net-positive charge to charge the vehicle's batteries. The barrier portion is a multi-layer cover with an adjustable-rigid air bladder layer sandwiched between an outer solar-panel layer and an inner vehicle paint protection layer. Zippered portions provide multiple configurations including using the solar-powered car charging cover without a vehicle for a make-shift tent with solar-powered charging ports. A power control box provides the means to connect external power sources to the solar-powered car charging cover.