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US 2022/0045644 A1Published application
Kirigami-based multi-axis tracking devices and systems
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Michigan
InventorsMax Shtein, Erin Evke, Michael Arwashan, Chao Huang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device includes a support structure having a plurality of concentric cuts through the support structure that define a set of structure sections. The device also includes an insert assembly supported by the support structure at an inner structure section of the set of structure sections. The inner structure section is configured to tilt the insert assembly at a tilt angle in accordance with a displacement of a first outer structure section of the set of structure sections.
Claims25
A device comprising:
- a support structure having a plurality of concentric cuts through the support structure that define a set of structure sections;
- an insert assembly supported by the support structure at an inner structure section of the set of structure sections,
- wherein the inner structure section is configured to tilt the insert assembly at a tilt angle in accordance with a displacement of a first outer structure section of the set of structure sections.
A tracking system comprising:
- a processor;
- a memory in which tracking instructions, emission source data, and calibration data are stored;
- a plurality of tracking modules, each tracking module of the plurality of tracking modules comprising:
- a kirigami support structure having a plurality of concentric cuts through the kirigami support structure, the kirigami support structure having a base portion and a top portion parallel to the base portion;
- and
- an insert assembly supported by the kirigami support structure between the top portion of the kirigami support structure and the base portion of the kirigami support structure, the insert assembly comprising a concentrator and an active device, the concentrator being a reflective device configured to concentrate emissions from a source to a focal point, wherein the active device is positioned at the focal point and configured to capture the concentrated emissions;
- and an actuator coupled to the plurality of tracking modules,
- wherein execution of the tracking instructions by the processor causes the actuator to displace the plurality of tracking modules based on the emission source data and calibration data.
5 more elements
A solar tracking device comprising:
- a kirigami spring having a plurality of concentric cuts that define a cone-shaped structure;
- a concentrator supported by a middle portion of the kirigami spring;
- a solar sensor arranged in a central portion of the concentrator;
- and
- a panel coupled to a top surface of the kirigami spring,
- wherein a bottom portion of the kirigami spring is configured to translate along a plane parallel to the panel in one or more lateral directions,
- wherein the concentrator and the solar sensor are configured to tilt at a tilt angle along one or more axes depending on a translation of the bottom portion of the kirigami spring, such that the solar sensor is operable to track solar radiation.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.