Automatic washing device for continuous surfaces, in particular solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels and similar devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cleaning continuous surfaces like solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels are limited in their ability to move between rows without fixed guides, making them economically inconvenient for extensive installations, and often require complex structures that increase installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An automatic washing device with a rotating brush and translation system powered by an electric motor, using the surface edges as guides for linear motion and allowing movement across gaps, and a modular design for extended surfaces, with optional solar-powered operation and automatic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed guide systems are used to support the cleaning device, then the device can move along the surface, but the system becomes complex and cannot easily move between rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fixed guide structure from the system entirely. Instead of using complex guide rails or tracks, the cleaning device uses its own anchoring units with suction cups to create temporary attachment points on the surface being cleaned, eliminating the need for permanent guide installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device creates its own guidance and support system through the anchoring units that attach to the surface. The device serves itself by using the surface properties (suction capability) rather than requiring external guide structures, enabling autonomous movement between rows.
2Strength
If mechanical guide structures are installed on panels or roof, then the device can be supported, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from permanent mechanical guide structures and transfers it to the anchoring units that use suction to attach temporarily to the surface, eliminating installation and removal time for guide structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical guide structures with a suction-based anchoring system. Instead of using mechanical fasteners, rails, or tracks that require installation, the anchoring units use atmospheric pressure through suction cups to create temporary attachment points.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning device uses fixed guides, then it can move along the surface, but it cannot pass from one row to another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guidance system dynamic rather than fixed. The anchoring units can be positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing the device to adapt its path dynamically to move between rows and across different surface configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring units serve multiple functions: they provide support, create guidance, and enable movement between rows. The same basic anchoring mechanism works for linear movement along a row and for transitioning between rows, providing universal functionality.
4Strength
If complex guide systems are used, then the device can be supported, but the system becomes economically inconvenient for extensive installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary, reusable anchoring units that attach and detach without permanent installation. These anchoring units are simpler and cheaper than fixed guide structures, making the system economically viable for extensive installations where guide installation and removal would be costly.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective cleaning of continuous surfaces without requiring special guides, allowing movement between rows and across gaps, reducing installation time and cost, and facilitating independent treatment of multiple rows in photovoltaic parks.
Implementation Method 1
The anchoring units include a plurality of suction cups
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical arm comprising a rotating brush
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic device for washing continuous surfaces, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels, continuous glazed building walls and similar surfaces, comprising at least one cleaning machine (2), at least one motor (6) and a support (3). The cleaning machine (2) includes a translation device that includes a torque shaft (8) driven into rotation by the motor (6) and connecting at least a first and a second translation unit (9) arranged on the cleaning machine (2) at the respective ends of the torque shaft (8).