Solar Panel Tilting Base with Hinge Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard solar panels are difficult to maintain, repair, or clean due to their fixed horizontal position, which makes accessing the bottom portion and underlying surfaces challenging, leading to potential damage and deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel supporting base that allows panels to be lifted and tilted into a vertical position, utilizing a hinge mechanism and additional support arms to facilitate maintenance and cleaning, while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar panels are fixed in a horizontal position, then they are stable and structurally simple, but they are difficult to access for maintenance and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the solar panel assembly to transition from a fixed horizontal position to a tilted vertical position. This dynamic capability enables maintenance personnel to access the bottom portion of panels and underlying surfaces by tilting the panels upward, while maintaining structural simplicity when in the operational horizontal position.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting base is divided into multiple segments including a first arm, second arm, and hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows independent movement of components, enabling the panel to tilt relative to the base while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmented design facilitates ease of maintenance access without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Ease of operation
If solar panels are tilted to vertical position for maintenance, then accessibility improves, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure includes support legs and positioning features that are pre-configured to provide stable support when the panel is in the vertical maintenance position. The first arm extends to the ground to provide preliminary stabilization before the panel is fully tilted, ensuring stability is maintained throughout the transition and in the final vertical position.
Solution Approach 2:
The base combines multiple support elements including a first arm, second arm, hinge mechanism, and support legs into a unified structure. This merging of components works together to provide both the tilting capability for accessibility and the stability needed in the vertical position, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and positional stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple horizontal mounting base is used, then installation is easy and cost-effective, but maintenance and cleaning are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base maintains simplicity in manufacturing by using standard hinge mechanisms and arm structures that are easy to fabricate and assemble. The dynamic tilting capability is achieved through straightforward mechanical components rather than complex systems, keeping manufacturing costs low while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed to be self-supporting in both horizontal and vertical positions through its arm and leg configuration, eliminating the need for additional support structures or complex installation equipment. This self-service design simplifies both installation and maintenance operations.
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 easy access and maintenance of solar panels and underlying surfaces, improving maintenance efficiency and extending the lifespan of the panels by allowing for effective cleaning and repair.
Implementation Method 1
one end of the supporting base or structure is fastened to the shorter arrangement via a hinge, while the other end is resting on the taller arrangement. When the end of the supporting base resting on the taller arrangement is lifted, the hinge on the other end rotates around the hinge pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel supporting base or structure configured to allow one or more predominantly horizontal solar panels to be lifted or tilted to a vertical position, thereby facilitating maintenance or cleaning of the solar panel or underlying surface.