Hydraulic Disc Brush Cleaning for Self-Stable Solar Cell Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for surfaces, particularly solar cells, face challenges in being simple in construction, not requiring electrical energy, and being usable in potentially explosive areas, while also stabilizing themselves for effective cleaning on sloped surfaces like gabled roofs where manual access is difficult due to dust accumulation and rain inaccessibility.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a frame featuring disc brushes that run in opposite directions, driven hydraulically and connected via a belt or gear system, utilizing a water motor or impeller for mechanical energy, allowing for self-stabilization and efficient liquid-based cleaning without electrical power, and a guide device for navigating between solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical motors and control devices are used to drive cleaning elements, then cleaning performance and control precision are improved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical motors with a hydraulic drive system. A hydraulic motor (16) driven by pressurized liquid (water) replaces electrical motors to rotate the disk brushes (1, 2). This mechanical-hydraulic system eliminates complex electrical components, control electronics, and power cables while maintaining effective cleaning performance through high-torque hydraulic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic drive system where pressurized water (or other liquid) is supplied through a hose to a hydraulic motor (16). The hydraulic motor converts liquid pressure into rotational motion to drive the cleaning elements. This hydraulic approach provides high power density and simplified system architecture compared to electrical systems, especially suitable for remote or explosive environments.
2Power
If electrical power supply systems are used, then drive power is sufficient, but usability in potentially explosive areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates all electrical power supply systems (cables, motors, control electronics) and replaces them with a purely mechanical-hydraulic drive system. Pressurized liquid transmitted through a hose provides sufficient drive power through a hydraulic motor, creating an intrinsically safe system for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where electrical equipment would pose ignition risks.
3Device complexity
If a single cleaning element is used, then device construction is simple, but cleaning effectiveness and self-stabilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning function into multiple independent cleaning elements (at least two disk brushes rotating in opposite directions). Each disk brush is independently driven by the hydraulic system. This segmentation provides several benefits: enhanced cleaning coverage, self-stabilization through counter-rotating elements that balance each other, and improved reliability without requiring complex stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric counter-rotation of disk brushes where one brush rotates clockwise and the other counterclockwise. This asymmetric rotational arrangement creates self-stabilization by balancing reactive torques and forces, preventing the device from rotating or tipping during operation on sloped surfaces like gabled roofs.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic drive elements are used, then electrical energy requirement is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hydraulic drive system where a hydraulic motor (16) converts pressurized liquid flow into rotational motion. The system includes a liquid supply hose, hydraulic motor, and appropriate connections to drive the disk brushes. This hydraulic approach eliminates all electrical energy requirements while actually simplifying the overall system by removing complex electrical control systems, power cables, and electrical power supplies.
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
The device effectively cleans solar cells without electrical energy, stabilizes itself on sloped surfaces, and can be used in explosive environments, ensuring efficient and safe operation by using hydraulic energy and liquid for both drive and cleaning, making it simple and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a device which is connected to one of the cleaning elements and has elements that have a hydraulic drive allow the cleaning element
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic drive is a water motor
Implementation Method 3
at least one impeller can be used instead of a water motor
Implementation Method 4
a frame with at least two cleaning elements, which are designed as disc brushes
Implementation Method 5
the cleaning elements are disk brushes
Implementation Method 6
a supply device for liquid
Implementation Method 7
AT 197 038 B discloses a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 for wet cleaning of surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device for cleaning surfaces of a construction, the device having a frame (2) with at least two cleaning elements (1) which run with or against each other and a device which is connected to the cleaning element (1) and has elements (6). , which enable a hydraulic drive of the cleaning element (1) and a supply device (8) for liquid.