Universal Solar Panel Support With Lift-Rotation Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel mounting systems cause increased temperature and heat on roofs, constant exposure to environmental elements, and limited space for solar panels on vehicles, necessitating a system that addresses these issues while optimizing sunlight capture.
Innovation Solution
A universal solar panel support system featuring a lift mechanism and rotating mechanism with multiple layers that can transition between configurations to adjust panel positioning, including a resting, lifted, undeployed, and deployed state, allowing for adjustable mounting and tracking of the sun's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are fixedly attached to outdoor surfaces using support frames and rack systems, then solar panels can capture sunlight, but increased temperature and heat are generated on the roof and mounting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support system with lift mechanisms and rotating mechanisms that allow solar panels to move between deployed and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adjust panel positioning to optimize sunlight capture while reducing heat exposure to the roof surface when panels are in the retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical movement and rotational movement as additional dimensions beyond the fixed horizontal mounting. The lift mechanism provides vertical displacement, while the rotating mechanism provides angular adjustment, creating a multi-dimensional positioning system that separates panel orientation from roof contact, thereby reducing heat transfer to the roof.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are fixedly attached to outdoor surfaces, then solar panels can capture sunlight, but solar panels are constantly exposed to environmental elements such as rain
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning system allows solar panels to be retracted or covered when not in use, protecting them from environmental elements like rain. The lift mechanism raises or lowers panels, and the rotating mechanism adjusts their orientation, enabling protective positioning during adverse weather while maintaining optimal capture positions during sunny periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are mounted on vehicle roofs, then solar panels can capture sunlight, but vehicles must park in positions advantageous for capturing sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including lift mechanisms for vertical positioning and rotating mechanisms for angular orientation. These mechanisms enable solar panels on vehicles to actively track sunlight from various parking positions, eliminating the need for vehicles to be parked in specific orientations to optimize energy capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of panel position (vertical height and rotational angle) in response to sunlight position and vehicle orientation. This allows the same panel configuration to effectively capture sunlight regardless of the vehicle's parking position or orientation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are mounted on vehicle roofs, then solar panels can capture sunlight, but vehicle roofs have limited surface area and space for supporting solar panels
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic support system with multiple mounting layers allows solar panels to be positioned in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to a single fixed plane on the roof. The lift and rotating mechanisms enable panels to extend outward and upward, effectively increasing the available capture area without requiring additional roof surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal solar panel support system including a plurality of universal solar panel corner supports for receiving solar panels. The universal solar panel support system is designed to transition from a resting, undeployed configuration to a lifted, deployed configuration to capture sunlight. The universal solar panel support system is mountable to a flat surface.