System for installing photovoltaic solar panels in an outdoor area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing photovoltaic solar panels on outdoor support structures are inefficient, require precise alignment, and are not easily scalable, with challenges in safely positioning panels due to the flexibility and deformation of support structures under load.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle equipped with a manipulator robot and an optoelectronic system for precise optical recognition and automatic positioning, which calculates correct installation coordinates based on the position of adjacent panels, ensuring accurate and rapid installation across various support structure configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are installed using manual alignment and sliding methods, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but installation time is excessive and precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses autonomous vehicles that self-navigate to installation positions and manipulator robots that automatically pick, position, and lock panels without human intervention. The optoelectronic systems automatically detect and calculate positions, enabling the entire installation process to be self-service oriented, dramatically improving productivity while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and sliding operations with automated manipulator robots equipped with optoelectronic detection systems. The robots use optical recognition to identify positions and calculate coordinates, then mechanically position panels with precision locking mechanisms, substituting imprecise manual operations with automated optical-mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support structures are made flexible to adapt to terrain, then adaptability improves, but positioning precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectronic detection systems on the manipulator robots provide real-time feedback by detecting the actual positions of support structures and previously installed panels. The systems use this feedback to calculate and adjust the coordinates for positioning each new panel, compensating for any deformations or position changes in the flexible support structure, thereby maintaining precision despite adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical detection and coordinate calculation before each panel installation. The manipulator robot detects the support structure position and calculates the correct installation coordinates in advance, allowing the flexible support structure to be in its final deformed state before installation begins, ensuring precision is achieved despite the structure's flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple panels are installed sequentially one by one, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator robot performs continuous operations by picking panels, transporting them, positioning them, and locking them in sequence without interruption. The autonomous vehicle continuously moves between installation positions while the robot continuously performs installation operations, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the process, thereby reducing total installation time while maintaining precision through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the installation process by using optoelectronic detection to identify each panel's target position and calculating coordinates in real-time. The manipulator robot dynamically moves between positions and adapts its picking and placing operations based on detected conditions, enabling rapid sequential installation while maintaining accuracy through dynamic control rather than static pre-programming.
4Reliability
If manual alignment and sliding operations are used, then equipment requirements are simple, but safety risks increase due to panel damage potential
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous manipulator robot performs all panel handling operations autonomously, picking panels with controlled grippers, transporting them precisely, and locking them securely. This self-service automation eliminates manual handling that could cause damage, significantly improving safety while the integrated optoelectronic and mechanical systems manage the complexity of the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated manipulator robots that use optoelectronic detection for positioning and controlled mechanical grippers for panel handling. The precision control systems and automated locking mechanisms substitute unsafe manual alignment and sliding operations, improving reliability while the automated systems manage the complexity through integrated control.
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 solution significantly reduces installation time, ensures precise and uniform positioning of solar panels, and enhances safety by automating the process and adapting to flexible support structures, allowing for efficient large-scale deployment.
Implementation Method 1
the manipulator robot (24) is equipped with an optoelectronic system for automatic optical recognition of the correct position for picking-up a photovoltaic solar panel to be installed, as well as the correct installation position of the photovoltaic solar panel on the support structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system for positioning a row of photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) on a support structure (S) arranged in an outdoor space comprises a vehicle (20) on which the photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) to be installed are arranged, and a manipulator robot (24) arranged on-board the vehicle (20) for picking-up one or more photovoltaic panels (1 ) from the vehicle, and for positioning them on said support structure (S). The robot is provided with a controller (30) programmed for picking-up and positioning said row of photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) in succession by said robot (24) as the vehicle moves on on one side, and along, said support structure, causing each photovoltaic solar panel to have an approaching movement towards the support structure (S), in such a way that, at the end of this movement, each photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) is already in its final position along the row. The manipulator robot (24) is equipped with an optoelectronic system (27) for automatic optical recognition of the correct position in which a photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) to be installed must be picked-up as well as the correct installing position of the photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) on the support structure (S).