Kirigami-based multi-axis tracking devices and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are costly, complex, and unsuitable for residential rooftops due to their large size, high cost, and narrow acceptance angle, which limits the widespread adoption of high-efficiency solar energy harvesting systems.
Innovation Solution
A kirigami-based multi-axis tracking system with a support structure featuring concentric cuts that deform into a three-dimensional spring-like structure, allowing for tilting of concentrators and solar sensors along multiple axes, enabling efficient tracking of solar radiation over a wider angle sweep while being compact and scalable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional trackers are used to achieve required tracking precision, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible kirigami support structure with concentric cuts that enables the concentrator to tilt and track solar radiation. This flexible membrane-based approach replaces complex rigid mechanical trackers, achieving multi-axis tracking capability while significantly reducing device complexity and weight. The flexible structure deforms under actuation to provide the required tracking precision without conventional heavy machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes traditional mechanical tracking systems with a kirigami-based compliant mechanism. Instead of using motors, gears, and rigid linkages, the system uses a flexible support structure with concentric cuts that deforms to achieve tracking motion. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining tracking accuracy through the inherent geometric transformation of the kirigami pattern.
2Quantity of substance
If concentrators with high concentration factor are used, then semiconductor material usage is reduced, but acceptance angle becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking mechanism using kirigami geometry that allows the concentrator to actively follow the sun's movement across the sky. The flexible support structure with concentric cuts enables continuous adjustment of the concentrator's orientation, dynamically adapting to changing solar positions. This dynamic capability broadens the effective acceptance angle throughout the day, allowing high concentration factors to be maintained while capturing solar radiation over a wider angular range.
Solution Approach 2:
The kirigami support structure is pre-configured with concentric cuts that define the deformation pattern for tracking motion. This preliminary geometric design ensures that when actuated, the structure naturally follows the required angular trajectory for solar tracking. The pre-programmed geometry enables the system to achieve the necessary orientation adjustments without complex control mechanisms, effectively broadening the acceptance angle for high concentration factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional solar panels are used, then manufacturing is simple, but energy collection efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple concentric sections defined by concentric cuts in the kirigami pattern. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, enabling complex three-dimensional motion from a flat sheet. The segmented design maintains manufacturing simplicity through laser cutting or stamping of the patterned sheet, while achieving the productivity gains of concentrated photovoltaics through precise geometric transformation that concentrates solar radiation onto small high-efficiency cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The kirigami support structure transforms from a two-dimensional flat pattern to a three-dimensional deformed configuration through the concentric cuts. This dimensional transformation enables the concentrator to achieve multi-axis tracking capability and proper optical alignment in three-dimensional space. The transition from 2D to 3D geometry allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity through flat-sheet fabrication while achieving the energy collection efficiency of concentrated systems through spatial reconfiguration.
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 kirigami-based system enhances energy collection by up to 40% compared to stationary panels, reduces semiconductor material usage, and lowers the cost of solar tracking systems, making them more viable for residential installations.
Implementation Method 1
a support structure having a plurality of concentric cuts through the support structure that define a set of structure sections
Implementation Method 2
the concentrator being a reflective device configured to concentrate emissions from a source to a focal point
Implementation Method 3
the active device is positioned at the focal point and configured to capture the concentrated emissions
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a support structure having a plurality of concentric cuts through the support structure that define a set of structure sections. The device also includes an insert assembly supported by the support structure at an inner structure section of the set of structure sections. The inner structure section is configured to tilt the insert assembly at a tilt angle in accordance with a displacement of a first outer structure section of the set of structure sections.