Robot and coupling joint suitable for use with daylighting systems or solar tracking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber daylighting systems have limitations in design and performance, including high manufacturing costs, limited sunlight tracking capabilities, and low optical area, which restrict the amount of captured light, and are hindered by complex architectures that increase costs and reduce strength-to-weight ratios.
Innovation Solution
A robotic coupling joint system with a spherical joint and mobility system that allows for two-axis motion, enabling efficient tracking of sunlight and providing a high optical area for light concentration, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture, using a stand, end effector, and linking elements actuated by motors with motion control objects like pulleys and tensioners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If complex architectures are used in optical fiber daylighting systems, then structural support and stability are improved, but manufacturing costs increase and strength-to-weight ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the structure into modular components: a stand with base plate, a separate coupling joint assembly with spherical joints, and an end effector module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling joint is designed as a universal connection mechanism that provides both structural support and enables multi-axis motion. The spherical joint configuration allows the same component to serve multiple functions: mechanical support, rotational freedom, and alignment adjustment, eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional tracking systems are used, then structural support is provided, but sunlight tracking accuracy and optical area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static structural support to dynamic tracking capability through the spherical joint mechanism. The coupling joint enables real-time adjustment of the end effector's orientation in multiple axes, allowing the optical elements to dynamically track the sun's movement while maintaining precise alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical joint configuration adds rotational degrees of freedom to the system, enabling motion in multiple dimensions. This allows the end effector to achieve precise sunlight tracking by rotating about vertical and horizontal axes simultaneously, expanding the tracking capability beyond simple linear or single-axis movement.
3Weight of moving object
If high strength-to-weight ratio is achieved, then weight reduction is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs composite construction combining lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight characteristics. The stand and coupling joint components are designed to utilize materials that provide adequate structural strength while minimizing weight, enabling the moving parts to be light enough for easy deployment while maintaining sufficient strength to support optical elements and withstand environmental loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic coupling joint system and method are discussed herein, which may be utilized with a daylighting system or photovoltaic system to track sunlight. The system may provide a spherical joint allowing axial motion about two or more axes of the spherical joint. The joint comprises a first plate with four or more sockets, a second plate, a connector, and one or more spheres positioned between the first and second plates. The connector secures the sphere between the first and second plates. The system may also include a stand, an end effector coupled to the stand by the spherical joint, and a mobility system that is capable of actuating the end effector. The mobility system includes two or more linking elements coupled to the end effector, and a motor coupled to the linking elements to actuate the end effector to track sunlight.