System and method for conveying an assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel cleaning systems face inefficiencies due to the need for complex mechanisms to maintain brushes perpendicular to the panel surface, and issues with using water in arid regions, where dust and debris can become sticky and difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a rail and carriage assembly that allows the brush assembly to pivot and translate along the rail at non-perpendicular angles, using a drive wheel and rollers to maintain contact, and a cleaning apparatus with rotatable brushes that can pivot and rotate to effectively remove dust and debris without the need for perpendicular orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the brush is maintained perpendicular to the panel surface using a complex mechanical system, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases and mechanical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining the brush perpendicular to the panel through complex mechanics, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the brush to operate at non-perpendicular angles while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the pivot mechanism and angled translation path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pivot mechanism that allows the brush assembly to dynamically adjust its orientation during translation, enabling the brush to adapt to the panel surface and maintain effective cleaning contact without rigid perpendicular constraints
2Productivity
If water is used for cleaning solar panels, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the adhesion of dust and debris increases in hot arid regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the cleaning parameter from wet (water-based) to dry mechanical removal, eliminating the water-dust adhesion problem in hot arid regions while maintaining effective cleaning capability through the brush mechanism
3Productivity
If water is supplied at the solar array site, then the cleaning process is improved, but the logistical complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts water from the cleaning system entirely, relying solely on dry mechanical brush action to remove dust and debris, thereby eliminating the need for water supply infrastructure at remote solar array sites
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for conveying an assembly along a track. A rail can include a first planar side, a second planar side, and a third planar side. The first, second, and third planar sides can be arranged to form at least two acute angles. A carriage assembly can include a drive wheel and at least two roller sets. The drive wheel can be configured to contact the first planar side and is configured to translate the carriage assembly along the rail. The at least two roller sets can be configured to contact the two other sides to maintain the carriage in contact with the rail.