Fluidic Bellows Solar Actuator System to Reduce Cost and Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solar actuation techniques are expensive and complex, lacking cost-effective and efficient solutions for large-scale energy generation and precise control applications.

Innovation Solution

A solar actuator system utilizing fluidic bellows actuators with mass-manufactured chambers, where fluid pressure or volume is used to create movement or position, employing anisotropic materials and convolutions for high strength and stiffness, and a network-embedded control system for precise control and energy redirection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional solar actuation techniques are used, then solar actuation function is achieved, but cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar actuation functionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical solar actuation systems with a fluidic actuator system that uses fluid pressure and volume changes to drive bellows actuators. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, gears, and motors while achieving the same solar tracking function through pneumatic or hydraulic means, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs fluidic actuators that utilize pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to expand and contract bellows, which in turn drive the solar actuation mechanism. This approach replaces traditional electrical or mechanical actuation systems with fluid-based actuation, simplifying the control system and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable solar positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If conventional solar actuation techniques are used, then solar actuation function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar actuation functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes flexible bellows structures made from thin-walled materials that can be mass-manufactured using techniques such as blow molding. These flexible shells replace expensive precision-machined mechanical components, enabling cost-effective production while maintaining the necessary structural integrity and actuation functionality for reliable solar positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs mass-manufactured chambers with optimized geometric parameters and anisotropic materials that provide high strength and stiffness at low cost. By carefully selecting material properties and chamber dimensions, the system achieves reliable actuation performance through parameter optimization rather than expensive component fabrication, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If mass-manufactured chambers with anisotropic materials are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but material strength and stiffness requirements must be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmaterial strength and stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs anisotropic composite materials for the mass-manufactured chambers that exhibit directionally dependent mechanical properties. These composite materials provide high strength and stiffness in the critical load-bearing directions while allowing cost-effective manufacturing through processes like blow molding. The anisotropic nature of the materials enables optimized structural performance at reduced cost compared to isotropic high-strength materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system achieves efficient, cost-effective solar energy redirection and collection, enabling precise control and high-strength actuation suitable for large-scale energy generation and rooftop applications with reduced material waste and increased efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

fluid pressure or volume is used to create movement or position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

employing anisotropic materials and convolutions for high strength and stiffness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropy: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentUS11772282B2Fluidic solar actuation system

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SUNFOLDING INC

AI summary

A fluidic solar actuation system comprising a plurality of fluidic solar actuators that each include a first fluidic inflatable actuator, and a second fluidic inflatable actuator. The system also includes a fluidic routing system configured to covey a fluid originating from a fluid source to: the respective first fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the first fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the first fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the second fluidic inflatable actuators, and the respective second fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the second fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the second fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the first fluidic inflatable actuators.