Solar Panel Installation Exoskeleton for Load Transfer and Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Installation of physical equipment, such as solar panels, is a tedious and time-consuming task that requires significant physical effort from workers, leading to reduced productivity and increased costs due to the need for extended breaks and additional labor.
Innovation Solution
An operator-worn exoskeleton with articulated joints and powered actuators that supports the weight and movement of equipment, equipped with sensors and a controller for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, allowing for efficient handling, manipulation, and installation of solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers manually handle and install solar panels, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but physical effort increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, controllers, and actuators. The robotic system autonomously performs panel handling, positioning, and installation tasks, eliminating the need for workers to exert physical force while dramatically increasing installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to autonomously perform installation tasks without continuous human intervention. The system uses onboard sensors to detect panel positions, controllers to process installation sequences, and actuators to execute movements, enabling the system to service itself through automated decision-making and execution of installation procedures.
2Reliability
If extended breaks are given to workers for strenuous activities, then worker fatigue is reduced, but productivity and costs decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human workers with an automated robotic system that does not experience fatigue. The robotic system can operate continuously without breaks, maintaining consistent performance levels throughout the installation process, thereby eliminating the need for extended breaks while maximizing productivity and installation throughput.
3Productivity
If additional workers are assigned to each task, then installation capacity increases, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple human workers with a single automated robotic system that performs all handling and installation tasks. The robotic system's ability to operate continuously without fatigue allows one unit to accomplish the work that previously required multiple workers, thereby increasing installation capacity while significantly reducing the quantity of labor required.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual handling of solar panels is used, then equipment complexity is low, but installation precision and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual handling with a complex automated robotic system that uses sensors for precise panel detection, controllers for accurate positioning calculations, and actuators for controlled movements. This substitution enables high-precision panel positioning and rapid installation while managing the inherent complexity through integrated control systems and automated coordination of multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton for installation of solar panels. The exoskeleton includes a central connection structure, at least one leg structure rotatably depending from the central connection structure. Each leg structure has a foot structure depending therefrom to contact a ground surface. At least one arm structure rotatably depends from the central connection structure. At least one solar panel holder depends from an arm structure and releasably holds a solar panel being supported by the arm structure. At least one limb actuator controllably provides forces to rotate the at least one leg structure and the at least one arm structure about the central connection structure to transfer forces from the respective arm supporting the solar panel to the ground surface through the at least one leg structure. A rotatably attached at least one auxiliary tool strut is movably positioned to operate beneath the solar panel as it is mounted onto a support.