Hello everyone, as you all know, we are trying to design a fastening system to keep the Solar panels in place. Specifically, we want the solar panels to be able to directly attach on to the guideway without any other contraption acting as a "middle-man". And after an excellent lunchtime brainstorming session with Ron Swenson, we have come up with 12 ideas.
1. Pen inspired lock
Taking inspiration from a pen, we could have a mounting system that "locks in" when pushed in, and with proper care can be taken out. 
2. Latch
Latches are similar to the fasteners that you see on suitcases. One simply has to "click on" the solar panels to the guide-way
3. Nuts and Bolts
Nothing too fancy here, only using nuts and bolts to directly pin the Solar panels on to the guideway.
4. Adhesives
Adhesive materials could be used to directly stick the solar panels on to the guideway. Advantages of this method include not needing to use mechanical parts, less weight, and aesthetic pleasure, while disadvantages include potential issues with upholding the solar panels and susceptibility to temperature variations
5. String
Use sturdy string to maintain the guideway
6. Explosives
Ron suggested the rather interesting idea of using explosives to fasten the solar panels to the supports. The idea is modeled in the following picture. The first object is a cylindrical object that is partially empty with a diameter and an opening with a smaller diameter. The second rod represents the fastening system, with a diameter that matches the opening. Once we insert the rod inside, a chemical reaction will take place, causing the portion of the rod in the can to expand, locking it in to the can.
7. Velcro
Simply use Velcro to attach the solar panels to the mount the solar panels to the guideway. You can think of this like a less intense version of the adhesive
8. Monkeytrap
Similar idea to the explosion. In Africa, hunters have devised these jar-like system in which bate is placed inside to lure monkeys. The monkeys will be lured to jar, place their hand inside to grab the bate, and will be unable to escape because their fist will be too large for the diameter.
9. Chinese finger trap
Translate the Chinese finger trap system to the superway?
10. Cable tires
Use Cable tires to fasten the panels to the track?
11. Grommets
Use Gromets as holes, and attach the solar panel in, and use button like objects to fit in to the gromets
12. Magnets
Use magnets to fasten the superway together?
No comments:
Post a Comment