Angled Brush Carriage Assembly for Dry Solar Panel Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel cleaning systems face inefficiencies due to the need for complex mechanical systems to maintain brushes perpendicular to the panel surface, and issues with using water in arid regions, where dust becomes sticky and difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a rail and carriage assembly, featuring a drive wheel and roller sets that allow the brush assembly to translate and pivot, maintaining contact with the rail at non-perpendicular angles, and using a brush with a straight bristle pattern to effectively remove dust without re-brushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotating brush is maintained perpendicular to the panel surface during translation, then even sweeping rate is achieved, but complicated mechanical systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining the brush perpendicular to the panel (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by allowing the brush to operate at non-perpendicular angles. The brush assembly can pivot and translate at angles ranging from 30 to 60 degrees relative to the panel surface, eliminating the need for complex perpendicular maintenance mechanisms while still achieving effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush assembly is designed with dynamic capabilities to pivot and adjust its angle during translation. The system includes a pivot mechanism that allows the brush to adapt its orientation dynamically, and the translation mechanism enables movement along the panel at various angles, providing flexibility without requiring complex fixed perpendicular alignment systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If water or liquid cleaning solutions are used to clean solar panels, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but dust becomes sticky and adheres to panel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the water/liquid component from the cleaning system entirely. It uses a purely mechanical dry cleaning approach with rotating brushes that physically remove dust and debris through mechanical action, thereby avoiding the harmful effect of dust becoming sticky and adhering to panels that occurs with liquid-based cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses replaceable brush assemblies with bristles that wear down over time and can be easily replaced. This disposable-like approach to the cleaning element allows for continuous effective cleaning without the need for water, and the brushes can be replaced when worn, maintaining cleaning effectiveness throughout their service life.
3Ease of operation
If water is supplied at arid solar panel sites, then cleaning is enabled, but water maintenance and supply become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water supply requirement entirely from the cleaning system. By using a purely mechanical brush-based dry cleaning method, it eliminates the need for water storage tanks, pumps, hoses, and other water supply infrastructure that would be required at remote arid solar panel sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is self-sufficient and does not require external water supply infrastructure. The mechanical brushes are powered by the translation mechanism itself, and the cleaning action is performed entirely through mechanical means, allowing the system to operate independently at remote locations without water availability.
4Productivity
If brushes translate perpendicular to panel surfaces, then even sweeping rate is maintained, but re-brushing of dust occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric brush operation angles, allowing the brush to contact the panel at angles between 30 and 60 degrees rather than perpendicular (90 degrees). This asymmetric angle creates a leading edge effect where the brush top moves forward, lifting and flicking dust off the panel surface in the direction of travel, preventing re-brushing while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush assembly is designed with a curved or rounded leading edge that allows it to glide over the panel surface at an angle. This curvature, combined with the angled translation, creates a sweeping motion that lifts dust particles forward and off the panel rather than pushing them backward into already cleaned areas, eliminating re-brushing.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system and method can include a leading carriage assembly attached to a brush assembly and can be configured to drive the brush assembly. A trailing carriage assembly can be configured to move along a track. The trailing carriage assembly can be attached to an arm. A vertical support rod can be partially disposed within the arm and can be attached to the brush assembly. A height of the vertical support rod can be positioned by one or more clamps located around the vertical support rod.