Spherical Solar Dome for Multi-Angle Vehicle Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panels on vehicles need to face the sun directly to capture sunlight, limiting their use and requiring outdoor parking, and there is a need for a system that allows electricity transfer to rechargeable vehicles while enabling transient storage and integration with a structure.

Innovation Solution

A spherical dome with solar modules on its surface and an energy collection system inside, capable of capturing sunlight from various angles and charging vehicles through a power output port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If flat solar panels are used on vehicles, then they can convert solar energy to electricity, but they must face the sun directly which limits their use and requires outdoor parking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy capture efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle storage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by covering a spherical dome structure with solar cells. The curved spherical surface allows the solar panels to capture sunlight from multiple angles throughout the day, eliminating the need for direct sun-facing orientation. This curvature enables the structure to maintain effective solar energy capture regardless of the sun's position in the sky, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy capture efficiency and storage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical dome structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a solar energy collection system and a vehicle storage facility. The dome can store vehicles during the day when solar energy is captured and provide sheltered parking at night. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to both efficiently capture solar energy and provide versatile vehicle storage without requiring outdoor parking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If solar panels are mounted on vehicles, then they can generate electricity, but the capture of solar radiation is limited by the panel orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity generation capacityVSAvoidsolar radiation capture

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical dome structure with solar cells covering its curved surface enables capture of solar radiation from multiple angles. As the sun moves across the sky, different portions of the spherical surface are illuminated, ensuring continuous solar energy capture throughout the day. This geometry maximizes the total surface area exposed to sunlight and maintains effective illumination intensity regardless of the sun's position, thereby increasing overall electricity generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat solar panels to a three-dimensional spherical structure. This dimensional change allows the solar cells to be distributed across the entire surface of the dome, capturing sunlight from all directions rather than being limited to a single plane. The three-dimensional configuration increases the effective collecting area and maintains optimal illumination intensity throughout the day, thereby enhancing power generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a spherical dome structure is used, then solar energy can be captured from multiple angles, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar radiation capture efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the spherical dome geometry does increase structural complexity compared to flat panels, it provides superior solar energy capture from multiple angles throughout the day. The curved surface naturally orientates different areas toward the sun as it moves, eliminating the need for complex tracking mechanisms or adjustable mounting systems that would further increase complexity. The geometric simplicity of the sphere, despite its curved surface, provides an elegant solution that balances enhanced energy capture with manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 spherical dome system efficiently captures solar energy from multiple angles, allowing vehicles to be stored or parked near the structure and charges them using an integrated energy storage unit.

Implementation Method 1

A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12404691B2Solar energy conversion spherical dome

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 SOLAIRES ENTREPRISES INC

AI summary

A solar energy conversion system is provided, the solar energy conversion system comprising a spherical dome which is composed of a material, a multiplicity of solar cells attached to an outer surface of the material, an energy collection system which is housed within the spherical dome and is in electrical communication with the multiplicity of solar cells, an energy storage unit which is housed within the spherical dome and is electrical communication with the electrical collection system, and a power output port, which is in electrical communication with the energy storage unit.