Solar Panel Hopper and Guide Arm for Faster Array Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective solar panel installation methods has highlighted the need for quicker and more efficient systems and devices to facilitate the installation of solar panels, particularly in large-scale solar panel arrays, as existing methods are often time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel dispensing device and mount system that includes a hopper for storing solar panels, a guide arm for directing them to an installation position, and actuators for precise placement, along with a mobile platform for maneuverability, allowing for rapid and accurate installation of solar panels into mounts with retention mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation methods are used for solar panels, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a mobile platform for mobility, a hopper for panel storage, a guide arm mechanism for positioning, and actuators for precise placement. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to be both automated and modular, thus improving installation speed while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device is designed to autonomously handle solar panels from storage to installation position without requiring manual intervention at each step. The system self-manages panel retrieval, transport, and placement through automated actuators and guide mechanisms, significantly reducing labor time while maintaining controlled complexity through automation.
2Productivity
If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then installation efficiency increases, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform integrates multiple functions into a single system: it serves as the base for the hopper, the mounting structure for the guide arm, and the mobile unit for transporting the entire dispensing system to different installation locations. This multi-functionality improves installation efficiency while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating functions rather than using separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arm incorporates adjustable and movable components that can dynamically adapt to different panel positions and installation requirements. The actuators provide dynamic control over panel placement, allowing the system to handle various installation scenarios efficiently while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled flexibility rather than rigid fixed-structure designs.
3Loss of time
If rapid installation methods are used, then installation time decreases, but positioning precision and panel security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual positioning operations with automated actuators and mechanical guide structures. These mechanical systems provide precise, repeatable positioning through controlled movement mechanisms, ensuring accurate panel placement and secure mounting without the variability and time consumption of manual alignment, thus achieving both speed and precision simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel dispensing device comprising a hopper, a guide arm, and an actuator. The hopper includes a frame defining an interior volume and an exit and is configured to contain a plurality of solar panels therein. The guide arm includes a support surface coupled to the hopper at a position adjacent to the exit of the hopper. The guide arm can extend away from the exit at a position to guide the plurality of solar panels from the hopper to an installation position. The actuator can include a contact interface operable to interface with and displace a lead solar panel of the plurality of contained solar panels through the exit, and to present the lead solar panel to the guide arm.