Solar Panel Cleaning Robot with Suction Adhesion for Sloped Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel cleaning robots face challenges such as limited mobility, poor cleaning efficiency, difficulty in navigating sloping surfaces, risk of falling, and cumbersome recharging processes, leading to high labor costs and reduced power generation efficiency due to dust accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel cleaning robot equipped with a power system that adjusts movement direction and speed, a control system for navigation and cleaning control, and a wireless charging system, allowing it to move freely on sloping surfaces, cover larger areas, and recharge automatically without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional cleaning robots are applied to solar panels, then cleaning automation is achieved, but mobility on sloping surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the robot by equipping it with rubber suction cups instead of conventional wheels, fundamentally altering the interaction mechanism with the solar panel surface. This enables the robot to adhere to and move on inclined surfaces by utilizing suction force and friction, overcoming the limitation of conventional wheeled robots that cannot maintain stability or mobility on slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical wheel-based locomotion system with a suction cup-based adhesion and movement system. This substitution allows the robot to utilize atmospheric pressure and surface friction rather than relying solely on mechanical friction from wheels, enabling effective operation on the smooth, inclined solar panel surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning robots are used, then cleaning function is provided, but risk of falling from panels is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using suction force as a counteracting force to gravity. The vacuum suction cups generate negative pressure that creates an adhesive force opposing the gravitational pull on the inclined surface, preventing the robot from sliding or falling. This balance between suction adhesion and gravitational force ensures stable operation without falling risks.
3Area of stationary object
If solar panels are set in high places by mounting brackets, then space utilization rate is improved, but cleaning difficulty and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the cleaning robot to autonomously navigate, clean, and recharge without human intervention. The robot can independently climb onto high-mounted solar panels, perform cleaning operations, and automatically recharge at charging stations, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations at difficult-to-reach heights and thereby reducing cleaning difficulty and risk.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning cost is reduced, but labor costs are high and cleaning efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot performs self-service operations including autonomous navigation to solar panels, automated cleaning execution, and self-recharging. This eliminates the need for manual labor while maintaining operational continuity, thereby reducing labor costs and significantly improving cleaning efficiency through automated, uninterrupted operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot enables continuous cleaning operations by automatically returning to recharge and resuming cleaning tasks without human intervention. This continuous operation capability increases overall productivity compared to manual cleaning, which requires periodic human intervention and cannot operate continuously.
5Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning robots are used, then cleaning capability is provided, but coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the robot to adapt its movement to the inclined surface through active suction control and friction-based locomotion. The robot can dynamically adjust its position, orientation, and movement speed on the solar panel surface, allowing it to cover larger areas including inclined and hard-to-reach regions that conventional static or wheeled robots cannot access.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel cleaning robot is provided and has a robot body. The robot body can move on at least one solar panel. A cleaning device, a power system, a control system and an electric power system are disposed on an internal or an external of the robot body.