Collapsible Paraboloid Panel Assembly for Portable Solar Concentrators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cooking appliances face challenges such as complex installation, limited mobility, low energy efficiency due to non-self-supporting and non-paraboloid shapes, sensitivity to wind, and frequent reorientations, which affect their usability and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and unfoldable device made of flexible panels forming a paraboloid shape, self-supporting due to curved panels, with a compact storage configuration and reinforced with fiberglass for durability, and adjustable orientation to focus electromagnetic radiation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collapsible concentration device made of flexible material is used, then ease of transportation and storage is improved, but the shape accuracy and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration device is divided into multiple rigid panels that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for transportation and assembled into an accurate paraboloid shape for operation. Each panel maintains its rigidity to ensure shape accuracy when deployed, while the segmented structure allows for easy collapse and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a paraboloid geometric shape with precisely curved surfaces to accurately focus electromagnetic radiation. The rigid panels are shaped to form the parabolic curvature when assembled, ensuring high shape accuracy and energy efficiency while still allowing for collapsible deployment.
2Ease of operation
If a non-self-supporting paraboloid structure is used, then ease of folding is improved, but structural stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into multiple rigid panels connected by hinges, allowing the device to fold compactly while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. Each panel contributes to the overall stability through its rigid construction and precise geometric arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The paraboloid shape with its curved surface provides inherent structural stability and self-supporting characteristics. The curved geometry distributes mechanical loads effectively across the rigid panels, enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of folding through the segmented design.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat-shaped concentration device is used, then ease of manufacturing is improved, but energy efficiency and focal concentration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a paraboloid geometric shape with precisely curved surfaces to accurately focus electromagnetic radiation. The rigid panels are shaped to form the parabolic curvature when assembled, ensuring high shape accuracy and energy efficiency while still allowing for collapsible deployment.
4Strength
If a complex assembly with heavy hardware is used, then structural strength is improved, but device portability and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration device is divided into multiple rigid panels that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for transportation and assembled into an accurate paraboloid shape for operation. Each panel maintains its rigidity to ensure shape accuracy when deployed, while the segmented structure allows for easy collapse and storage.
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
The device allows for easy assembly, transportation, and use while maintaining high energy efficiency, reducing wind resistance and safety risks, with a long service life and efficient solar radiation concentration.
Implementation Method 1
each panel having two connecting edges and a free edge and being hinged to two adjacent panels along said connecting edges, the panels being assembled to form, in the open position, a surface in the general shape of a paraboloid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has flexible panels (2) i.e. plane spindles, assembled to form a paraboloid surface in opening position, where each panel is provided with two connection edges (4, 5). The panels are butted against one another in opening position, and adopt curved shape to form a self-supporting paraboloid. The panels are folded into two juxtaposed accordion shaped stacks. One of the edges of the outer panel of each stack is firmly connected to the corresponding edge of the adjacent panel of the other stack. The panels are connected by a glass fiber reinforced flexible inner adhesive strip (7). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a solar cooking device comprising a concentration device (2) a solar cooking device transport package comprising a receiving unit.