Solar Panel Concentrator for Portable Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for charging electronic devices rely on AC power sources, which are not always available, leading to device failure in situations without access to sustainable electricity, and result in environmental and financial harm.
Innovation Solution
A solar powered rechargeable device comprising a solar radiation collection portion with a solar panel, concentrator, and charge controller, connected to a battery unit and receptacles for direct or indirect charging of electronic devices, utilizing solar energy to charge batteries or devices directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC power source is used to charge battery, then charging reliability is improved, but availability deteriorates when AC power is not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
A solar panel is introduced as an intermediary power source that converts solar energy into electrical energy to charge the battery. The solar panel includes a solar cell array arranged in series to generate sufficient voltage for charging, providing an alternative when AC power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power source parameter from AC mains electricity to solar energy. The solar panel converts optical energy from sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect, enabling charging in locations without AC power infrastructure.
2Length of moving object
If solar panel is positioned close to battery unit, then connection portion length is reduced, but solar radiation collection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is positioned at an elevated height above the battery unit, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict. This spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space allows the solar panel to be far enough from the battery to collect adequate solar radiation while still being connected through a manageable connection portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection portion comprising a support structure and conductor acts as an intermediary between the solar panel and battery unit. The support structure maintains appropriate spacing for solar radiation collection while the conductor transfers electrical energy, mediating between the spatial separation and electrical connection requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel is positioned far from battery unit, then solar radiation collection efficiency is improved, but connection portion length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes vertical spacing rather than horizontal extension to separate the solar panel from the battery unit. The solar panel is positioned at a specific height above the battery, allowing adequate solar radiation collection area while keeping the connection portion length manageable through three-dimensional spatial arrangement.
4Productivity
If conventional AC charging method is used, then charging speed is sufficient, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system enables the battery to charge itself using solar energy from the environment. The solar cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy to recharge the battery, eliminating the need for external AC power infrastructure and reducing environmental harm associated with conventional power generation and distribution.
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 charging of electronic devices in the absence of conventional power sources, reducing environmental impact and financial costs by harnessing solar energy for prolonged device usage.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar panel to collect solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
a concentrator positioned a distance above the first solar panel to concentrate the solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A solar powered device comprising a solar radiation collection portion, wherein the solar radiation collection portion includes: a solar panel to collect solar radiation, a concentrator surrounding the solar panel to concentrate the solar radiation, and a charge controller coupled to the solar panel, a base portion, a plurality of legs, and a connection portion operably connecting the solar radiation collection portion to the base portion, the connection portion including a connection member having a first end and a second end is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.