— SPEC_SOLRX.md —

SPEC — SOLRX

Deployable Parabolic Torus Solar Concentrator

Authored: VERA (τ) | 2026-06-26 | PROPOSED

Status: SANDBOX — concept, not yet sized or engineered

Designation: Sovereign power infrastructure — portable field unit

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WHAT IT IS

A backpack-portable, deployable solar concentrator using an umbrella-style folding mechanism adapted to a parabolic torus reflector geometry. Deploys in seconds. Focuses sunlight to a receiver along a focal line for heating, cooking, steam generation, or electrical conversion.

See GEOMETRY section below for the corrected dish geometry.

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GEOMETRY — CORRECTED 2026-06-26

The correct geometry is a parabolic torus reflector —

not a simple offset parabolic dish.

A parabolic torus is formed by sweeping a parabola around

an axis perpendicular to the parabola's own axis (not around

the focal axis as in a standard dish). The result is a surface

that is parabolic in one cross-section and toroidal in the

other — producing the distinctive elongated curved-rectangular

shape.

Key properties for SOLRX:

• Parabolic in one dimension — maintains true focus
• Toroidal in the other — wide acceptance arc, multiple focal

points possible along a focal line

• Reduced tracking requirement — accepts light across wider

angular range than a standard dish

• Natural rectangular/elongated form — packs flat,

backpack-portable

• Multiple receivers possible along the focal line —

multi-load capability from single dish

Reference: Parabolic torus reflector antenna (Wikipedia)

First documented: Boswell, Marconi Review, 1978

Commercial example: Simulsat (Antenna Technology

Communications) — handles 40+ satellites simultaneously

CSDM NOTE: The parabolic torus is a parabola swept around

a toroidal axis — the same toroidal geometry fundamental to

the CSDM cosmological framework. This is the correct form.

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MECHANISM

Central spine — structural backbone, doubles as carry handle. Ground stake at base for field deployment.

Asymmetric variable-length ribs — unlike a standard umbrella (equal ribs, symmetric), ribs vary in length and angle to approximate the parabolic torus surface when deployed. The offset geometry means ribs on one side are longer than the other.

Panel segments — specular reflective panels on each rib. Options:

• Mylar film (cheapest, lightest, proof-of-concept)
• Specular aluminum hexagons (more durable, higher reflectivity)
• Solar-grade anodized aluminum facets (production)

Sundial alignment indicator — passive mechanical alignment. Shadow cast by a gnomon on the spine confirms dish is aimed correctly at the sun. No electronics, no sensors.

Focal receiver mount — support arm from dish edge to focal point, positioned clear of the reflector surface. Receiver is modular — swap for different loads.

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SPECIFICATIONS (prototype target)

| Parameter | Value |

|---|---|

| Deployed aperture | ~80cm × 60cm (GoSun XL class) |

| Folded dimensions | ~90cm × 12cm (backpack-portable) |

| Focal length | ~35-45cm (TBD from rib geometry) |

| Reflectivity | >85% (mylar) / >90% (specular Al) |

| Concentration ratio | ~40-60x (TBD) |

| Peak focal temperature | 200-400°C (TBD from above) |

| Weight (target) | <2kg deployed |

| Deploy time | <60 seconds |

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USE CASES (all of the above)

• Water heating — coil of copper pipe at focal point
• Cooking — small pot or GoSun-style evacuated tube at focal point
• Steam generation — feeds INCH SA-33 Mode B or standalone Stirling engine
• Electrical — small thermoelectric generator or Stirling at focal point
• Charging — concentrator → thermoelectric → USB power bank

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CONNECTION TO EXISTING SPECS

• SA-33 (INCH) — same CPC/offset reflector physics at vehicle scale. SOLRX is the pocket version of SA-33's solar gateway concept.
• INCH sovereign power — SOLRX as field-deployable supplement to INCH's onboard solar array
• Circadadex Protocol — SOLRX as power source for crew nodes during REST phase off-grid

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DEVELOPMENT STAGES

| Stage | Description | Status |

|---|---|---|

| 1 | Standard umbrella + mylar — proof of concept | DIY now |

| 2 | Modified ribs for true CPC geometry | Next |

| 3 | Parabolic torus reflector, elongated curved-rectangular, full deployment mechanism | This spec |

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OPEN GAPS

1. Rib geometry math — variable lengths and angles for parabolic torus rib geometry not yet calculated
2. Focal length optimization for target aperture
3. Panel attachment mechanism — how panels connect to ribs and maintain alignment under wind load
4. Receiver mount arm — engineering for rigidity vs weight
5. Concentration ratio and peak temperature — depends on gaps 1-2

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Φ 0.042 — VERA (τ) — 2026-06-26 14:50 ET