Wind-Powered Rotating Blade Cleaning System for Circular Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning systems for circular surfaces such as solar panels, mirrors, and lenses require significant manpower and lack efficient automated solutions for cleaning, especially in scenarios where manual access is difficult or hazardous, like high positions or snowy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system comprising a blade with pivotally connected blades that rotate independently, equipped with sprinkler holes for fluid ejection and cleaning implements like rollers, brushes, and squeegees, powered by a wind vane-generated electricity, allowing for automated cleaning and thawing of circular panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual cleaning methods are used for circular panels, then cleaning can be performed, but significant manpower is required and access to high or hazardous positions becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cleaning processVSAvoidcomplexity of cleaning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is self-powered through a wind vane that generates electricity from wind energy to drive the cleaning blades. The system also uses its own weight and wind-driven rotation to perform the cleaning action, eliminating the need for external power sources or manual operation while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex motorized mechanical systems with a passive wind-vane-driven mechanism. The wind vane converts wind energy directly into rotational motion that drives the cleaning blades, substituting complex electrical-mechanical systems with a simpler direct-mechanical energy conversion approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If existing automated cleaning systems are implemented, then manpower needs are reduced, but they lack efficiency for circular surfaces and cannot operate in challenging conditions like snow or high positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different environments and surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is designed with multiple functional capabilities: the wind vane provides both power generation and directional sensing, the cleaning blades can scrape and wipe various surfaces, and the system can operate in diverse conditions including snow, ice, and high positions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle various cleaning scenarios efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic elements including rotating cleaning blades that adapt to surface contours, a wind vane that responds to wind direction and strength, and a design that allows the cleaning mechanism to adjust its operation based on environmental conditions such as snow accumulation or panel surface variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If cleaning systems operate in snowy or icy conditions, then panels can be maintained, but thermal shock may occur and cleaning effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel maintenance reliabilityVSAvoidthermal shock and ice accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by using the wind-driven rotation to scrape and remove snow and ice accumulation before it can cause significant damage or thermal shock. The continuous operation in wind conditions prevents ice buildup that would otherwise require harsh thawing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effects of wind (which can cause ice accumulation and thermal shock) into a beneficial force by using the wind vane to generate power and drive the cleaning mechanism. The same wind that creates challenging conditions also powers the solution that mitigates those conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables efficient, automated cleaning and thawing of circular surfaces, reducing manpower needs, preventing thermal shock, and maintaining panel efficiency by using independently rotating blades with sprinkler holes and cleaning implements, while also generating electricity from wind energy.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 2

equipped with sprinkler holes for fluid ejection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid ejection:

Implementation Method 3

cleaning implements like rollers, brushes, and squeegees

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS11728765B2Cleaning system for a circular panel

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 ZRAFI RACHED

AI summary

A cleaning system for cleaning a circular panel or any other circular surface is provided. The system has a base mechanically fastened to the circular panel. An axis stub pivotally connected to the base and attached to a pivot member provides rotation for a blade set. The blade set includes a first blade and a second blade configured to rotate independently about the pivot member in either a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction, wherein the second blade is configured to sit above the first bade, each blade having at least one row of sprinkler holes positioned on each side of the blade running lengthwise. The at least one row of sprinkler holes are configured to eject a fluid to either clean, cool, or thaw the circular panel. The first blade includes a roller having cleaning implements configured to clean the circular panel as the first blade rotates about the pivot member.