Vehicle Solar Light Redirection With Optical Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited surface area on vehicles restricts the practicality of solar charging systems, as conventional solar panels cannot provide sufficient electrical energy to fully charge an electric vehicle within a reasonable time frame.
Innovation Solution
A solar charging system utilizing light collection assemblies and optical waveguides to redirect sunlight to a compact solar panel module, which can be located within the vehicle, increasing the effective collection area and efficiency by using optical waveguides to distribute light across multiple solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar panels are installed on vehicle surfaces, then solar charging capability is provided, but the limited surface area restricts the amount of electrical energy that can be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface mounting to three-dimensional light redistribution by installing solar panels in the vehicle interior and using optical waveguides to transport light from external collectors, effectively utilizing the vehicle's internal volume rather than being constrained by external surface area
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediaries that transport collected light from external light collection assemblies to internal solar panels, decoupling the light collection function from the energy conversion function and enabling separate optimization of each component
2Productivity
If solar panels are placed outside the vehicle to maximize light collection, then charging efficiency improves, but the panels become vulnerable to damage from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
Optical waveguides act as intermediaries that allow solar panels to be positioned in the protected vehicle interior while still receiving light from external collectors, separating the exposure function from the conversion function
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the solar charging function into separate components: external light collection assemblies that handle environmental exposure and internal solar panels that perform energy conversion in a protected environment
3Use of energy by moving object
If larger solar panels are installed on the vehicle surface, then more electrical energy can be generated, but the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solar panels from the vehicle exterior and relocates them to the interior, removing the visual and aerodynamic impact while preserving the energy generation function through optical light transport
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediaries that enable the separation of light collection (external) from light utilization (internal), allowing the vehicle exterior to maintain its original design while still capturing solar energy
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
Enhances the light collection capacity and efficiency of solar panels, allowing for faster charging of electric vehicles by utilizing the vehicle's external surface more effectively and protecting the panels from damage.
Implementation Method 1
Each light collection assembly may direct at least a portion of the incident light it receives into one or more optical waveguides, such as rectangular waveguides or fiber-optical cables. The optical waveguide directs the light from the light collection assembly to a solar panel module
Implementation Method 2
The solar panel module can include a plurality of photovoltaic panels, which may be arranged with a compact stacked configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A solar redirect system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a light collection assembly disposed on an external surface of the vehicle and configured to receive light. The system also includes a solar panel module comprising a plurality of photovoltaic panels configured to convert the light into electrical energy for charging a battery of the vehicle. The system also includes an optical waveguide configured to direct the light from the light collection assembly to the solar panel module.