Oscillating Canopy Frame for Adaptive Aerial Solar Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in implementing large-scale solar shading systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and climate events, effectively reducing solar warming and mitigating climate change impacts on specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A large-scale sunshade device comprising a collapsible frame and a canopy made of lightweight, flexible materials with integrated solar cells, controlled by a sunshade management system that adjusts geolocation, elevation, and shape in response to environmental factors and weather patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large-scale aerially suspended solar shading technology is implemented, then solar warming mitigation is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation worsen due to environmental conditions such as high winds, storms, and changing seasons
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade device is divided into multiple independent modular units that can be deployed and controlled separately. Each module contains its own frame structure, canopy, and lifting device, allowing the system to be managed in discrete segments rather than as one complex large-scale structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic frame structures that can change shape and configuration in response to environmental conditions. The collapsible frame and adjustable canopy allow the device to adapt its structure dynamically, transitioning between compact and expanded states based on weather conditions and operational requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sunshade device is kept open to provide continuous shade, then solar warming mitigation is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation of lifting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting devices operate periodically rather than continuously, activating to lift the device to a certain altitude, then deactivating to allow slow drifting descent, and repeating the cycle. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes passive gravitational descent to return to lower altitudes without requiring active propulsion or energy input. The lifting devices only need to provide energy for the ascent phase, while the descent occurs naturally through controlled drift, making the system partially self-service.
3Ease of operation
If the sunshade device is made lightweight and flexible for ease of deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates when exposed to high winds and storms
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure transitions between rigid and flexible states dynamically. During normal operation, the frame maintains a rigid configuration to provide structural strength. During severe weather events, the frame can collapse or transform into a more flexible, compact configuration that can withstand high winds and storms.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy is constructed from flexible materials that can bend and deform without breaking under wind load. This flexibility allows the canopy to absorb wind energy through deformation rather than resisting it rigidly, preventing structural failure during storms while maintaining effectiveness during calm conditions.
4Loss of energy
If the canopy is collapsed during lifting to reduce drag, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide shade during ascent is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device alternates between providing shade during descent phases and minimizing drag during ascent phases. This periodic switching between functional states allows the system to optimize for energy efficiency during energy-intensive operations while maintaining shade provision during lower-energy descent periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating motion creates continuous shade provision over time, even though the canopy is collapsed during ascent. The device spends significant time in descent and hover phases where the canopy is open and providing shade, maintaining continuous useful action despite periodic collapse for energy efficiency.
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 sunshade device effectively mitigates solar warming and provides localized shade, adapting to environmental changes and weather events while generating electricity and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The canopy is formed of a lightweight, flexible material containing solar cells that generate electricity when the sunshade device is open
Implementation Method 2
The lifting devices preferably include propellers and other features to help maintain the elevation and geolocation of the sunshade device
Implementation Method 3
the air resistance created beneath the canopy during descent operates to expand the canopy into the fully open position
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade device and sunshade management system for mitigating the effects of climate change and direct and prolonged exposure to the sun, the sunshade device including a canopy attached to a collapsible web or frame structure. The frame structure can be collapsed or opened by operation of an electric motor. The sunshade device is positioned above the ground by electrically powered lifting devices that are powered by a battery system that is charged by solar cells. A sunshade management system controls the status of the sunshade device, and can collapse the frame and activate the lifting devices to position the sunshade in the sky, and open the frame and deactivate the lifting devices to allow the sunshade device to slowly descend while providing shade to areas below the sunshade device.