Solar Panel Installation Vehicle With Overhead Robotic Hopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel installation methods, including those for solar tracking systems, require significant manual labor, are time-consuming, and often necessitate daytime installation due to visibility needs, limiting efficiency and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel installation system utilizing a robotic solar panel dispensing hopper and installation vehicle, which can automate the overhead or lateral installation of panels, minimizing manual labor and enabling nighttime installation through a combination of automated components and vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation methods are used, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The installation vehicle performs installation operations autonomously without requiring human operators to manually handle each panel. The robotic arm automatically picks up panels from the hopper, transports them to mounting positions, and secures them to the torque tube, enabling the system to serve itself in the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical installation operations are replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with gripper mechanism substitutes human hands and tools, while the automated hopper feed system replaces manual panel handling, significantly increasing installation speed while reducing labor requirements
2Loss of time
If daytime installation is required for visibility, then installation quality can be maintained, but available installation time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The automated robotic installation system eliminates the need for human visual inspection and manual operations during installation. Since the robotic arm and automated hopper system do not require visual input, the system can operate autonomously in dark conditions, extending the installation window to nighttime hours without compromising installation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system acts as an intermediary between the installation operations and environmental lighting conditions. By using sensors, vision systems, or pre-programmed coordinates rather than human vision, the system mediates the installation process to be independent of ambient light levels, enabling operation in dark conditions
3Loss of time
If large lights are deployed for nighttime installation, then installation can continue after dark, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic installation system replaces human-operated manual installation that would require lighting for visibility. By using automated sensing, positioning, and execution mechanisms, the system eliminates the need for high-power lighting equipment, enabling nighttime operation without the energy costs associated with deploying large lights
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel installation system comprising a solar panel presentation system comprising a solar panel dispensing hopper having a hopper enclosure; and a solar panel installation vehicle operable with the solar panel presentation system, and operable to support the solar panel dispensing hopper, and to maneuver about a solar panel support assembly comprising one or more solar panel retention systems which can be oriented transverse to a torque tube of the solar panel support assembly, wherein the installation vehicle is operable to position the solar panel dispensing hopper in an overhead position relative to the one or more solar panel retention systems, and to facilitate installation of a lead solar panel in an installed position in one of the one or more panel retention systems from the overhead position.