Robotic Solar Panel Handling for Coplanar Tracker Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar panels on rotatable structures is challenging due to the need for ensuring all panels are coplanar and leveled, and the process is costly.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel handling system comprising an end of arm assembly tool with suction cups, a linear guide assembly, and a force torque transducer, along with a controller, to facilitate precise alignment and attachment to an installation structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solar panels are manually installed on rotatable structures, then installation flexibility is maintained, but alignment precision and installation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated positioning mechanisms to achieve precise alignment and efficient installation of solar panels on rotatable structures
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-positioning and self-alignment through integrated sensors and control algorithms, enabling the system to automatically adjust panel placement without human intervention while maintaining high precision
2Productivity
If traditional installation methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic installation system is designed with multi-functional capabilities including panel handling, positioning, alignment, and attachment operations, allowing a single complex system to perform multiple installation tasks that would otherwise require separate tools and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple installation functions (handling, positioning, aligning, and securing panels) into an integrated robotic system, merging several discrete operations into a single automated process to improve efficiency
3Reliability
If solar panels are installed on rotatable structures without specialized tooling, then device complexity is reduced, but installation reliability and panel coplanarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized handling tooling and positioning mechanisms as intermediaries between the robotic system and solar panels, enabling reliable installation on rotatable structures by providing dedicated interfaces for precise panel placement and securing
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
Enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar panel installation by ensuring accurate alignment and attachment, reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
an end of arm assembly tool with suction cups
Data Source
AI summary
A system for installing a solar panel may include a first end-of-arm assembly tool coupled to a first robotic arm and part of a first assembly robot and a second end-of-arm assembly tool coupled to a second robotic arm and part of a second assembly robot. The first and the second end-of-arm assembly tools have different tooling and perform different functions to assembly solar panels to support structure. The first assembly robot and the second assembly robot may be located on autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles and the various components can be operated by a control system based on operation instructions received from a neural network.