Autonomous Delivery Machine for Solar Beam Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional methods for delivering beams to designated locations in solar farms are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual unloading and placement by workers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing autonomous or semi-autonomous machines, including a delivery machine with a receptacle and an articulatable work tool system, and a supply machine with an implement system, controlled by a central system to transport, unload, and deploy beams at predetermined locations in preset orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual unloading and placement methods are used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery machine performs self-service by autonomously navigating to predetermined locations, automatically unloading beams from its receptacle, and placing them in correct orientations without human intervention. The machine uses its own articulated work tool system to grasp and position beams, eliminating the need for external manual labor and significantly reducing delivery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (workers physically handling beams) with an automated mechanical system. The delivery machine's articulated work tool system uses mechanical actuators, sensors, and control algorithms to automatically grasp, transport, and position beams, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical operations that are faster and more efficient.
2Ease of operation
If manual placement by workers is used, then adaptability to site conditions is maintained, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery machine is designed as a multi-functional system that combines navigation, beam storage, automatic grasping, positioning, and placement capabilities in one unit. The articulated work tool system can adapt to different beam types and site conditions, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining ease of operation through centralized automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the machine's various subsystems (navigation, articulation, grasping, positioning) and the external environment (site conditions, beam characteristics). It processes sensor data, makes decisions, and coordinates actuator operations, managing the overall system complexity while presenting a simplified automated operation to the user.
3Productivity
If autonomous machines are deployed, then productivity increases, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: navigation system, receptacle for beam storage, articulated work tool system for grasping and positioning, and control system. Each module operates semi-independently with defined interfaces, allowing for easier design, manufacturing, maintenance, and scaling. This modular segmentation manages overall system complexity while enabling high productivity through coordinated automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering beams to predetermined locations of a worksite includes determining, by a control system, a first location associated with a delivery machine at the worksite and issuing, by the control system, a first instruction to a supply machine to transport the beams to the first location. The method further includes instructing, by the control system, an implement system of the supply machine to unload the beams into a receptacle of the delivery machine at the first location and issuing, by the control system, a first command to the delivery machine to travel sequentially to each predetermined location. Further, the method includes instructing, by the control system, an articulatable work tool system of the delivery machine to grasp the beams received within the receptacle and release one or more beams at the predetermined locations in preset orientations.