Solar Module Carrier With Anti-Slip Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar modules is labor-intensive and poses safety risks due to the weight and size of the modules, requiring physically strong personnel and often violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, as workers must climb ladders while carrying heavy and awkwardly shaped modules, leading to potential accidents and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A carrier device with a handle and attachment devices, including channels and anti-slip mechanisms, designed to securely couple with solar modules, providing ergonomic and safe handling by distributing weight and preventing slippage, while also incorporating a harness for secure user attachment and wind force abatement to reduce strain and risk during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually carry solar modules while climbing ladders, then installation can proceed, but safety risks increase and labor costs rise due to the heavy weight and awkward shape of modules
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier device serves as an intermediary between the worker and the solar module. The carrier includes attachment devices with channels that receive and secure the module frame, anti-slip devices to prevent movement, and a harness system to distribute weight across the worker's body. This intermediary device makes the module easier to handle and safer to carry while climbing ladders.
2Productivity
If workers manually handle solar modules without assistance, then labor costs are high, but equipment complexity increases with carrier devices
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier device is segmented into distinct functional components: attachment devices with channels for frame reception, anti-slip devices for securing, engagement devices for connection, and harness elements for weight distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
3Ease of operation
If standard handling methods are used for solar modules, then simple equipment is required, but movement control and slippage prevention become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment devices incorporate local quality enhancements: channels with specific geometries to receive frame portions, anti-slip devices positioned at critical contact points to prevent slippage, and engagement devices with feedback mechanisms. These localized features provide precise movement control without requiring the entire device to be overly complex.
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 carrier device reduces labor costs and enhances safety by allowing easier and safer handling of solar modules, enabling users to maintain three points of contact while climbing ladders, thus reducing the risk of accidents and improving the efficiency of solar module installations.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-slip device configured to limit movement of the solar module engaged with the attachment device
Implementation Method 2
a wind force abatement device, which allows the module to align itself in such a way to reduce the force of the wind acting on the user via the harness
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a carrier device. A device may include a handle and at least one attachment device coupled to the handle. The at least one attachment device may be configured to couple to a solar module, wherein each attachment device includes at least one of a channel for receiving a portion of a frame of the solar module and a clamp for securing the solar module.