Smooth Surface Cleaning Linkage With Adjustable Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for smooth surfaces like solar collectors and photovoltaic elements face issues such as damage from excessive load, inability to monitor the cleaning process visually, and limitations in cleaning larger areas, due to inadequate load transfer and reliance on special vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cleaning unit and linkage featuring an intercepting or adjusting device that diverts the load, allowing for adjustable and minimal load transfer, combined with an operating unit for visual monitoring, and the option to use universal lifting platforms or self-drive, eliminating the need for special vehicles and reducing operator strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the entire load of the cleaning device is transferred to the surface via wheels, then the device can be supported and positioned, but the surface of solar collectors or photovoltaic elements may be damaged by excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
A support arm acts as an intermediary between the cleaning device and the surface, allowing the device to be supported without transferring excessive load directly to the fragile surface. The support arm can be adjusted to provide adequate support while limiting the force applied to the cleaned surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage is designed with adjustable support arms that can dynamically adapt their position and load-bearing capacity. This allows the device to maintain stability while adjusting the load distribution to prevent surface damage during the cleaning process.
2Reliability
If the device is operated from the ground, then operator safety is improved, but visual monitoring of the cleaning work becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Visual monitoring is replaced by technical aids such as cameras or sensors mounted on the cleaning device. These devices transmit images or data to the operator, allowing monitoring of the cleaning process without requiring the operator to be in visual contact with the work area.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed cleaning device is used, then the cleaning unit can effectively clean surfaces, but it cannot clean larger areas such as large photovoltaic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is designed as an extendable and adjustable mechanism that can adapt its length and position. This allows the cleaning unit to reach different areas and accommodate various surface sizes, from small solar collectors to large photovoltaic installations, while maintaining effective cleaning contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is divided into modular components, including an extendable linkage and adjustable support arms. This segmentation allows the device to be configured for different cleaning scenarios and surface areas, enhancing versatility while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If special vehicles are used to operate the cleaning device, then the device can reach and clean surfaces, but operational costs increase and operator strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is extracted from the requirement of special vehicles and designed to be operable from the ground using a simple, lightweight structure. The support arm and adjustable linkage provide sufficient reach and stability without needing complex vehicle-based systems, reducing both cost and operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning smooth surfaces, such as surfaces of solar collectors, photovoltaic elements, roof surfaces of buildings, in particular made of glass or the like, with at least one cleaning unit, a rod, at one end of which the cleaning unit is arranged, and at least one operating unit . The invention is characterized in that an interception or adjustment device is provided, by means of which the load applied to the surface by the device can be adjusted or changed.