Vehicle Solar Panel Structure With Integrated LEDs for Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior structures that integrate solar panels and illumination elements lack efficient energy management and effective integration of LEDs for display purposes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle exterior structure that incorporates solar panels with monocrystalline or thin-film photovoltaic materials, where LEDs are integrated within the layer structure, either between solar cells or in recesses of the photovoltaic material, allowing for individual control and display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into vehicle exteriors for energy generation, then energy management is improved, but the exterior surface area available for illumination and display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar cells and LED illumination elements into a single integrated module structure. The solar cells are arranged in a matrix pattern with LED elements positioned in the interstices between them, allowing both energy generation and illumination functions to coexist on the same exterior surface without one function excluding the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from considering solar panels and illumination as separate two-dimensional surface occupations to a three-dimensional integrated structure. By positioning LED elements in the vertical and lateral spaces between solar cells, the solution utilizes multiple dimensions to accommodate both functions within the same exterior footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are installed between solar cells or in recesses, then illumination integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED illumination elements are pre-positioned within recesses or mounting structures during the module assembly process, before the final sealing and lamination steps. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and integration without requiring complex post-assembly operations, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high illumination integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells are arranged in spaced relation, then illumination element placement is improved, but energy generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cells are arranged in a matrix pattern where the spacing and positioning are locally optimized to accommodate LED elements in the interstices. The matrix arrangement ensures that solar cells maintain adequate spacing for LED integration while maximizing the active solar cell area within each module, thereby balancing illumination placement requirements with energy generation efficiency.
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
This solution enables efficient energy generation and storage, while providing a flexible and visually integrated illumination system that can display messages, enhancing both energy management and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel (1) which supports a layer of monocrystalline solar cells (4) or a thin-film photovoltaic material
Implementation Method 2
illumination elements (9), in particular LEDs, are installed in one of the layers in the layer structure of the solar panel (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle exterior structure comprising a solar panel, wherein either the vehicle exterior structure or a base sheet separate therefrom forms a base sheet which supports a layer of monocrystalline solar cells or a thin-film photovoltaic material which is/are covered towards the vehicle outer surface, and wherein illumination elements are installed in one of the layers in the layer structure of the solar panel.