Split Solar Canopy Layout for Lightweight Personal Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with solar panel roofs face issues such as bulkiness, increased weight, difficulty in handling, compromised occupant space, poor visibility, and high cost due to complex mechanisms, making them impractical for personal transportation vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A split hybrid design of solar panels with fixed and flexible portions integrated into the vehicle's canopy structure, allowing maximum exposure when needed and minimal exposure when not in use, using lightweight materials and automated folding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a roof structure with solar panels is added to the vehicle, then solar energy capture is improved, but vehicle weight and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel canopy is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in different configurations (extended, retracted, folded) based on operational needs. This dynamic design enables the canopy to capture solar energy when extended while reducing weight and bulkiness when retracted or folded, resolving the contradiction between energy capture and vehicle weight.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed solar panel canopy is installed, then solar energy capture is maximized, but vehicle handling and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is designed with movable components that can be adjusted or repositioned based on operational requirements. When solar energy capture is prioritized, the canopy can be extended; when vehicle handling is prioritized, the canopy can be retracted or folded, thus resolving the contradiction between energy capture and ease of operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a large solar panel array is installed, then energy generation is improved, but occupant space and visibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel canopy is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to be positioned to maximize solar exposure when energy generation is prioritized, while being retractable or foldable to restore occupant space and visibility when these are prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between energy generation and occupant space.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a complex mechanism is used for solar panel deployment, then solar energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel canopy utilizes self-service mechanisms such as spring-loaded retractable systems or gravity-assisted folding that require minimal external control or power input. These mechanisms automatically deploy or retract the canopy based on simple triggers or environmental conditions, achieving efficient solar energy capture without complex control systems or high costs.
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
Enhances solar energy capture while maintaining vehicle handling, visibility, and occupant space, reducing weight and cost, providing an efficient and ergonomic solar-powered personal transportation solution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of portions containing solar panels or array of photo voltaic cells embedded in the panel capable of receiving solar energy and charging an energy storage device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a two-or three-wheeled vehicle (200). The vehicle (200) includes a front structure (215) having at least one front wheel (115) movably coupled to a steering column (113) at a lower end thereof. A rear structure (220) includes a seat sub-structure (135) extending longitudinally rearwardly above the at least one rear wheel (125), a top structure (208) disposed between the front structure (215) and the rear structure (220). The top structure (208) includes one or more downwardly retractable member (332) disposed sidewardly along a left side as a leftmost region (320) and a right side as a rightmost region (325) of the top structure (208). The top structure (208) and the one or more downwardly retractable member (332) include a plurality of solar panels (213) capable of receiving solar energy and charging one or more power unit.