Pivotable Wing Solar Cell Assembly for Sun Tracking and Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell arrangements fail to optimize light utilization and adjust to changing sun positions while maintaining an aesthetic design, and they lack a protective mechanism during unfavorable weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell arrangement with pivotable wings that can adjust to maximize sunlight exposure and fold into a protective position, featuring a central inner part with solar cells and mirrors to redirect light, and a drive device for synchronous wing movement during sunlight exposure and independent movement during protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar cell arrangement uses a fixed structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the light utilization cannot be optimized throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings pivotable about a pivot axis, allowing them to change orientation relative to the sun's position. The drive device enables synchronous pivoting of multiple wings to track the sun throughout the day, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to changing light conditions, thereby optimizing light utilization without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell arrangement is divided into multiple independent wings that can pivot separately but synchronously. Each wing is equipped with solar cells and can be independently controlled by the drive device, allowing segmented adjustment to maximize light capture from different angles while maintaining overall system coordination
2Productivity
If the wings are always open to maximize sunlight exposure, then the energy generation is optimized, but the solar cells are exposed to damage during adverse weather
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are designed to be dynamically adjustable between an open position for energy generation and a closed protective position for weather protection. The drive device enables synchronous movement of all wings to transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on environmental conditions while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of adverse weather into a protective mechanism by designing the wings to fold over the central inner part during storms, snow, or sandstorms. The same movable structure that enables optimal sun tracking also provides protection by allowing the wings to cover and shield the solar cells and mirrors from weather-related damage
3Reliability
If the wings are folded to protect the solar cells during adverse weather, then the protection is maximized, but the light utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control to transition between protective and operational states. During adverse weather, the drive device pivots the wings to a closed position for protection. When weather conditions improve, the wings automatically pivot back to their operational positions, ensuring that protection and productivity are both optimized at different times without permanent compromise
4Manufacturing precision
If separate control of each wing is implemented, then the adjustment precision is high, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is designed with universal functionality to control all wings synchronously through a single control mechanism. This multi-functional drive system can pivot multiple wings simultaneously while maintaining precise alignment, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each wing and reducing overall control complexity while preserving adjustment precision
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
Ensures optimal light utilization and aesthetic design by adjusting wing alignment with the sun, while providing protection during adverse weather conditions by folding the wings to cover the central inner part with solar cells and mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
The individual solar cells absorb light, preferably sunlight, and convert it directly into electrical energy. These are so-called photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
The mirrors are preferably oriented to reflect light onto the wings
Data Source
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AI summary
The solar cell arrangement for generating electrical energy from light comprises multiple solar cells (36), a base (20) having multiple side edges (22, 24), a central axis (28) extending transversely to the base (20), and multiple wings (34), each wing (34) being pivotably connected to a side edge (22, 24) of the base (20) about a pivot axis (42). The solar cells (36) are arranged on the upper surface of the wings (34) facing the central axis (28). The arrangement includes a drive device (38) for pivoting the wings (34) about their respective pivot axis (42) and a central inner part (30) mounted on the base (20) which has an outer surface. The outer surface is provided with solar cells (36) and/or mirrors. The central inner part (30) has a vertex (32) furthest from the base (20), which lies on the central axis (28).