Solar Panel Support Assembly with Remote Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels mounted on recreational vehicles require manual adjustment to optimize energy collection, which is time-consuming and risky, and they lack effective protection during vehicle movement and harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel support assembly with a fixed and movable support member, a locking assembly, and a remote control system that allows for tilting, rotating, and locking of solar panels without manual intervention, ensuring secure positioning and protection during movement and environmental challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of solar panels is used to adjust position, then the solar panels can be tilted and rotated toward the sun, but it requires climbing onto the roof which exposes individuals to falling risks and potential damage to roof components
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control system with a controller and actuator mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the solar panels. The controller transmits signals wirelessly to actuators mounted on the roof, which then manipulate the solar panels. This eliminates the need for direct human contact with roof components, resolving the safety risk while maintaining ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple brackets are independently adjusted for solar panel manipulation, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (tilt angle, rotation angle, panel spacing) are merged into a single integrated control system. The controller simultaneously manages multiple actuators that work together to position the solar panels, eliminating the need for sequential manual adjustment of individual brackets. This reduces adjustment time while maintaining positioning precision through coordinated control of all movement parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are left exposed on the rooftop during vehicle movement, then they remain accessible for adjustment, but they are vulnerable to damage from harsh environmental elements and high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel mounting system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic configuration with multiple movable degrees of freedom. The panels can be tilted, rotated, and repositioned remotely according to environmental conditions. During harsh weather, the system dynamically adjusts panel positions to minimize exposure to damaging forces while maintaining accessibility for adjustment when conditions are favorable.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel support assembly (12) for movably supporting a solar panel (10) relative to a surface (22) of a vehicle (624) comprises a fixed support member (14), a movable support member (16), and a locking assembly (20). The fixed support member (14) is fixedly coupled to the surface (22). The movable support member (16) is configured to retain the solar panel (10), the movable support member (16) being movably coupled to the fixed support member (14). The locking assembly (20) is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking assembly (20) is in the locked position, the movable support member (16) is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the fixed support member (14). The solar panel support assembly (12) can further comprise a mover assembly (18) that moves the movable support member (16) relative to the fixed support member (14).