Patent ID: 9496436
Filing Date: 2016-11-15
CPC Classification: F24S,G02B,H01L,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Claim Text:
1. A foldable solar collector, comprising: an elongated central member; a plurality of rigid petal members each coupled at a first end to the central member and radially extending away from the central member to a second end, the plurality of petal members each having a bottom surface and an opposing upper surface comprising a photovoltaic converter, the plurality of petal members configurable in a closed position proximate the central member, and configurable in an open position when extended away from the central member such that the petal member upper surfaces collectively form a solar collection surface; and a plurality of leverage members each having a first portion coupled to one of the plurality of petal members and a second portion coupled to the central member, the plurality of leverage members configured to retract the plurality of petal members to the closed position such that the plurality of petal members overlap one another and the upper surfaces including the photovoltaic converters of each of the plurality of petal members are closer to the central member than are the opposing bottom surfaces, wherein the plurality of petal members collectively form a vortex when overlapped in the closed position such that at least a portion of the petal upper surfaces are directed towards a space defined between the plurality of petal members and the central member and at least a portion of the bottom surfaces are directed away from the space, wherein each of the petal members has opposing radial edges radially extending away from the central member, wherein each one of the leverage members is rigid and directly coupled to one said radial edge of one said petal member.