Patent Abstract:
Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustability for use with mobile structures, such as trailers, RVs, etc., and temporary support structures and associated methods of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity per roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation regardless of underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar collector.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/271,925, entitled Sustainable, Mobile, Expandable Structure, filed Jul. 28, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to solar collectors, and particularly to solar collector arrays. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Solar power is becoming increasingly desirable and necessary as other fuel sources become harder to find and more expensive. Solar power provides the advantage that the energy source (the Sun) is freely available throughout the planet, requiring only solar collectors to harvest the power. Solar collectors are getting thinner, lighter, and more efficient as time goes on, making them more viable for more applications. 
         [0004]    However, solar collector applications have been limited for vehicles and for low-surface area structures because of the relatively low power output per area and the necessity of heavy batteries for utilizing solar power at night or when the Sun is otherwise obstructed. Because of the required surface area of solar collectors to provide more than a trivial amount of power, solar collectors have been generally impractical for vehicles such as cars, trucks, campers, RV&#39;s, trailers, etc. and other small structures such as mobile homes, sheds, etc. 
         [0005]    Additionally, the lack of surface area for placing solar collectors can limit the desirability and practicability of using solar collectors on vehicles and small structures, particularly temporarily situated structures such as trailer homes, RV&#39;s, frame tents, travel trailers, work trailers, etc. The lack of surface area is compounded by the lack of positioning options for traditional solar collectors, requiring that the vehicle or temporarily situated structures be placed in a certain orientation to assure power generation by solar collectors. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustability for use with mobile structures, such as trailers, RVs, etc., and temporary support structures and associated methods of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity per roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation regardless of underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar collector. 
         [0007]    Each solar collector mount can include: a collector support, the collector support being capable of securing and supporting a solar collector; a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being attached to the collector support, the rotating mechanism providing rotation of the collector support and the solar collector; and a sliding mechanism being attached to the rotating mechanism, the sliding mechanism being supported by the support surface, the sliding mechanism being capable of moving the collector support with respect to the supporting surface. 
         [0008]    The solar collector support system can also include a controller cooperative with the plurality of solar collector mounts, wherein the controller is capable of changing the relative spatial arrangement of the collector supports so that each collector support is capable of unobstructed rotation. In some embodiments, each solar collector mount can further include a tilt mechanism cooperative with at least one of the tray, the rotator, and the translator, and wherein the tilt mechanism can tilt each solar collector. 
         [0009]    Movement of the collector support with respect to the supporting surface can include movement parallel to a front edge of the supporting surface, movement parallel to a side edge of the supporting surface, movement perpendicular to the supporting surface, or any combination of these movements. In some embodiments, the sliding mechanism can include at least one rail coupled to the support surface, the at least one rail having a slot extending along the length of the at least one rail, and a sliding frame engaged in the slot and configured to slide along the length of the rail. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the plurality of solar collector mounts can be movable between a consolidated configuration and a deployed configuration. Retractable panels for covering the plurality of solar collector mounts can be used when in the consolidated configuration. The retractable panels can protect the solar collector mounts from road debris and theft. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the plurality of solar collector mounts can positionable for maximum solar energy exposure when in the deployed configuration regardless of the orientation of the support surface. The support surface can be a roof of a mobile structure. 
         [0012]    Methods of using a solar array can include providing a plurality of solar collectors in a consolidated position, the plurality of solar collectors operably connected to form a solar collector array, the plurality of solar collectors being coupled to a support surface; spatially separating the plurality of solar collectors, so as to permit unobstructed rotation of each solar collector; and rotating the plurality of solar collectors to increase solar power generation of the solar panel array. The spatially separating can include moving at least one of the plurality of solar collectors with respect to the supporting by movement parallel to a front edge of the supporting surface, movement parallel to a side edge of the supporting surface, movement perpendicular to the supporting surface, or any combination of these movements. 
         [0013]    Some methods can include uncovering the plurality of solar collectors prior to the spatially separating. Similarly, some methods can also include returning the plurality of solar collectors to the consolidated position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The following description can be better understood in light of Figures, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective drawing of an exemplary solar collector with a multiple axis adjustable solar collector mount for use in a solar collector array; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  is a sectional drawing along section B-B of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the solar collector with multiple axis adjustable solar collector mount in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3-7A  are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis solar collector mounts; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8-11  are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis solar collector mounts; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 12-15  are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis solar collector mounts; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 16-19  are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis solar collector mounts; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 20  is a perspective drawing of an exemplary solar collector array deployed on a structure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 21  illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system for an exemplary solar collector array. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of deployable solar collector array support structures for vehicles and associated methods of use. In the Figures, the size, number and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different Figures represent the same component. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that embodiments of compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustable solar collector mounts and associated methods of using them can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, exemplary embodiments and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated units and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other devices and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below generally focuses on embodiments of deployable solar collector arrays for trailers, similar support structures can be used with motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, mobile homes, boats, or other applications where a it would be advantageous to have a deployable solar collector array with multi axis adjustable solar collector mounts. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1A-2  illustrate an embodiment of solar collector  110  with multi axis solar collector mount  115  attached to rails  122 . Solar collector  110  can be any solar collector or collection of solar cells. Solar collector mount  115  can include collector base  140  and rail base  150 . Solar collector  110  can be connected to collector base  140  through tilting mechanism  144  to allow solar collector  110  to tilt with respect to collector base  140 . Collector base  140  can include rotating mechanism  146  to rotate collector base and thereby solar collector  110 . Collector base  140  can be connected to rail base  150  through lifting mechanism  142  to extend collector base  140  away from rail base  150  and rails  122 . 
         [0027]    All adjustment mechanisms, such as tilting mechanism  144 , lifting mechanism  142  rotating mechanism  146 , etc., can be actuated using any practical method. For example, actuators, such as servo motors, stepper motors, linear actuators, solenoids, etc, can be used, depending on the application and design preference can be implemented readily. Similarly, the adjustment mechanisms may be positioned by hand. Accounting from the plane formed by the bottom of rail base  150  as the x-y plane, the various adjustment mechanisms of collector mount  115  attached to rails  122  can together allow for x or y translation, z translation, z rotation, and an x-y rotation (depending on the z rotation position) of solar collector  110  attached to collector mount  115 . 
         [0028]    Tilting mechanism  144  can be a scissor mechanism. Solar collector  110  can be hingedly attached to collector base  140  on one side and with the scissor mechanism of tilting mechanism  144  or an opposite side. When tilting mechanism  144  is activated, an end of solar collector  110  attached to collector base  140  with the scissor mechanism can be lifted and the opposite end can rotate with respect to collector base  140  resulting in collector  110  tilting with respect to collector base  140 . Tilting mechanism  144  can adjustably position solar collector  110  with respect to collector base  140  between 0° and 90°, as required for maximum solar exposure when deployed. 
         [0029]    Rotating mechanism  146  can include a sealed slewing ring or other rotational bearing to allow 360° rotation with respect to collector base  140 . Lifting mechanism  142  can include scissor mechanisms on two or more sides, depending on the weight of load supported, selected scissor mechanisms, and desired stability. For example, illustrated lifting mechanism  142  in the various figures shows four scissor mechanisms, one for each side of the four-sided rail base  150 . 
         [0030]    Rails  122  can provide linear adjustment to solar panel mount  115  using a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism can include rail base  150  with slide tabs  152  that engage with slots  124  of rails  122 , allowing for linear translation along the length of rails  122 . In some embodiments, this linear translation can be adjusted and held at a desired position using cables  156 . Cables  156  can also allow for selective individual movement or uniform movement of some or all solar collectors  110  in each solar array  100 . Rails  122  may also include slot  128  to accommodate a sliding cover to protect solar collector  100  when not in use. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-7A , solar collector array  100  can include several solar collectors  110  each mounted on a pair of rails  122 . Rails  122  can be attached to support surface  130 . Support surface  130  can be any area desired to accommodate solar collector array  100 . Solar collector array  100  can be moved between a storage and/or transportation configuration,  FIG. 3 , and a deployed configuration,  FIG. 7  ( FIG. 7A  shows  FIG. 7  without solar collectors  110 ).  FIGS. 3-7A  generally illustrate a sequence for moving solar collector array  100  into a deployed configuration. 
         [0032]    Beginning with  FIG. 3  showing solar collector array  100  in the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment mechanism of solar collector mount  115  can be adjusted to position solar collectors  110  parallel to and adjacent to support surface  130  and below the top surface of rails  122 .  FIG. 3A  is solar collector array  100  of  FIG. 3  without solar collectors  110 . From the storage and/or transportation configuration, alternate solar collectors  110  may be raised using lifting mechanism  142  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each solar collector  110  can then be tilted to a desired angle using tilting mechanism  144  as shown in  FIG. 5  and alternatively translated along rails  122  as shown in  FIG. 6 . For final positioning, solar collectors  110  can be rotated using rotating mechanism  146  to the desired rotational angle. 
         [0033]    Thus, through the adjustment of collector mount  115 , solar collectors  110  of solar collector array  100  can maximize solar collection based from support surface  130 . Additionally, where support surface  130  is part of a mobile structure, the collector mount  115  and rails  122  allow for protective, compact storage of solar collectors  110  and efficient solar power collection regardless of the rotational orientation of support surface  130 . Spatially separating solar collectors  110  from each other using the various adjustment mechanisms can allow for minimal shadowing from adjacent collectors and rotational positioning and tracking for increased solar collection efficiency. For example, if support surface  130  is the roof of an RV, the RV may park pointing in any direction and easily deploy solar collector array  100  to achieve an efficient solar power collection from a relatively small surface area while still being able to protectively transport solar array  100 . 
         [0034]    In other embodiments with more limited surface area, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11 , solar collector array  200 , can include several solar collectors  210  mounted to support surface  230 . Solar collector array  200  can be moved between a storage and/or transportation configuration,  FIG. 8 , and a deployed configuration,  FIG. 11 .  FIGS. 8-11  generally illustrate a sequence for moving solar collector array  200  into a deployed configuration. Solar collector mount  215  includes similar components of collector mount  115  described above, but modified for the smaller solar collectors  210  shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . 
         [0035]    Beginning with  FIG. 8  showing solar collector array  200  in the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment mechanism of solar collector mount  215  can be adjusted to position solar collectors  210  parallel to and adjacent to support surface  230 . From the storage and/or transportation configuration, alternate solar collectors  210  may be raised using lifting mechanism  242 . Each solar collector  110  can then be tilted to a desired angle using tilting mechanism  244  and rotated using rotating mechanism  246  to the desired rotational angle. 
         [0036]    Similarly, for long, narrow surfaces, some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15 , solar collector array  300 , can include several solar collectors  310  mounted on a pair of rails  322 . Rails  322  can be attached to support surface  330 . Solar collector array  300  can be moved between a storage and/or transportation configuration,  FIG. 12 , and a deployed configuration,  FIG. 14 . Solar collector mount  315  includes similar components of collector mount  115  described above, but modified for the smaller solar collectors  310  shown in  FIGS. 12-15 .  FIGS. 12-15  generally illustrate a sequence for moving solar collector array  300  into a deployed configuration. 
         [0037]    Beginning with  FIG. 12  showing solar collector array  300  in the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment mechanism of solar collector mount  315  can be adjusted to position solar collectors  310  parallel to and adjacent to support surface  330  and below the top surface of rails  322 . From the storage and/or transportation configuration, each solar collector  310  can then be tilted to a desired angle using tilting mechanism  344 . The solar collectors can be separated from each other by translation along slots  324  of rails  322  as shown in  FIG. 14  to minimize shadowing from one collector to the next. For final positioning, solar collectors  310  can be rotated using rotating mechanism  346  to the desired rotational angle. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 16-19  illustrate solar collector arrays  400  with adjustable mounts  415  deployed on trailer  470  with expandable sections  472 ,  474 . Support surface  430  can be attached to trailer  470  with a hinge (not shown) at a top exterior corner on the side of trailer  470 . Rails  422  can extend from support surface  430  providing support and pathways for protective cover  460  to be deployed and retracted along slots  248  of rails  422 . Protective cover  460  can include one or more individual metal sectional doors that can be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape, similar to the retractable doors on a beverage truck. Protective cover  460  can be stored in the rolled form when retracted inside of eaves  464 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, protective cover  460  may be formed of any material and configuration sufficiently strong to prevent damage to solar collectors  410  by road debris. Additionally, protective covers  460  may also provide a theft deterrent similar to the protective covers of beverage trucks. Solar collectors  410  may be hidden during transport and storage, covered with protective cover  460 , as shown in  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17  shows protective cover  460  retracted into eaves  464 , revealing individual solar collectors  410 . 
         [0040]    Solar collector array  400  may be deployed using the steps, or similar steps, as discussed above, resulting in solar collectors  410  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18 . Support surface  430  can then be rotated up to a generally horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 19 , with expandable sections  472 ,  474  under support surfaces  430 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 20  illustrates connected trailers  570 , such as is used in mobile homes, mobile clinics, mobile classrooms, mobile work trailers (such as those commonly used at construction sites), etc., with solar arrays  500  formed from solar collectors  510  and connected to support surface  530 , which are the roofs of trailers  570 . Solar arrays  500  can include similar attachment and adjustment mechanisms as described above with other embodiments. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the deployment of the solar collector arrays can be automatic, with controller  640  driving actuators connected to each of the adjustment mechanisms and deployment mechanisms such as those discussed above. For example, lifting actuator  642  can move lifting mechanism  142 , tilting actuator  644  can move tilting mechanism  144 , rotating actuator can move rotating mechanism  646 , sliding actuator  656  can move rail base  150  to affect translation of collector mount  115 , as discussed above, and sliding cover actuator  662  can open and close the sliding covers. In some embodiments, sensors  648 , such as a GPS unit and compass, can be used to automatically adjust the solar collector arrays for maximum efficiency in collecting solar power. Similarly, the actuators can be periodically adjusted to follow the course of the sun through the sky for improved solar power collection efficiency. The actuators can be any type of actuators capable of moving and adjusting the mechanisms in the ways discussed above to deploy a solar collector array. 
         [0043]    In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use can be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7