Foldable Parasol Solar Hinge Electrical Conduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parasols with independent power supplies face challenges in being portable and light, particularly in folding the power supply sources without breaking electric connections.

Innovation Solution

A foldable parasol design featuring a top surface with rigid surfaces equipped with solar cells and mechanical hinges that act as electrical conductors, allowing for durable electrical conduction between solar cells during folding, utilizing parallel or serial wiring for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solar cells are integrated into a foldable parasol, then the parasol gains an independent power supply, but the electrical connections between solar cells break during folding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent power supplyVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical hinge structure with an electrical conductor into a single integrated component. The electrical conductor is embedded within the hinge, allowing the hinge to simultaneously perform its mechanical function of connecting and folding rigid surfaces while maintaining continuous electrical conduction between solar cells on adjacent surfaces during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the parasol is made portable and foldable, then it improves portability, but the power supply structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidpower supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical hinge is designed to serve dual functions: it performs the traditional mechanical role of connecting and enabling folding between rigid surfaces, and simultaneously acts as an electrical conductor to transmit electrical signals and power between solar cells. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring, simplifying the overall power supply structure while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables a portable and lightweight parasol with a durable independent power supply, ensuring continuous electrical connection between solar cells across rigid surfaces, maintaining functionality during folding and deployment.

Implementation Method 1

a top surface comprising a plurality of rigid surfaces, each comprising at least one solar cell fixed thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the at least one mechanical hinge comprising an electrical conductor, for electrically conducting between poles of solar cells of the adjacent rigid surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9912286B2Foldable parasol

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 ROSSI EMANUELE

AI summary

A foldable parasol having a top surface with a plurality of rigid surfaces, each having at least one solar cell fixed thereto, and at least one mechanical hinge disposed between each adjacent two rigid surfaces, for allowing folding one rigid surface in relation to the other, the at least one mechanical hinge comprising an electrical conductor, for electrically conducting between poles of solar cells of the adjacent rigid surfaces, thereby electrical conduction between solar cells of different rigid surfaces is applied through mechanical hinges, being durable to folding.