SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION DEVICE

Abstract

A solar panel installation device, comprising a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods under the base 1, L-shaped telescopic bar 9s with suction cups 10 install at the ends of the telescopic rods for affixing a position of the base 1 on a sloped surface, a storage container provided under the base 1 for a storage of the solar panel, an imaging unit 2 installed on the base 1 to determine a position of the site of installation, a pair of robotic arms 3 provided on the base 1 for picking the solar panel from the container and placing the panel at a site of installation, an L-shaped telescopic link 4 attached to the base 1 and having a screw gun 5 at the end for fastening of the panel at the site of installation and a speaker 7 installed on base 1 to generate an audio alert.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar panel installation device that is capable of determining a position of the installation site and accordingly place the solar panel as the user specified site, in order to install the solar panel in a precise and an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Users generally install solar panels onto rooftops to harness sunlight and generate electricity, which lowers reliance on traditional energy sources like fossil fuels and reducing their carbon footprint. These panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Additionally, to ensure optimal performance mounting hardware, like racks and frames securely hold the panels in place whether on rooftops or in open spaces. This setup maximizes sunlight exposure, thereby generating electricity for homes or building and gradually reducing electricity bills over time. Moreover, solar panels require regular maintenance including cleaning to remove dirt and debris to maintain peak efficiency.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for carrying out installation of solar panels. People used to install the solar panel manually via using hand held tools like drill, screwdriver, wire cutters and crimping tools, as these tools assist the person to carry out the installation of the solar panel efficiently. But these kinds of hand-held tools are limited to precision and require manual efforts of the person. Therefore, people also use some machine like solar panel lifter machine and solar panel assembly machines for installing the solar panels in an efficient manner and within minimal consumption of time. But these machines require regular maintenance and also a skilled worker is required for operations such machines efficiently.

[0004] WO202420062A2 includes an invention that is a kind of a solar panel installation system includes a solar panel unloading machine, a solar panel carrier machine, and a solar panel installation machine. The solar panel unloading machine is configured to autonomously interact with a shipping device carrying a plurality of solar panels to unload the plurality of solar panels from the shipping device and autonomously transfer the plurality of solar panels to the solar panel carrier machine. The solar panel carrier machine is configured autonomously transport the plurality of solar panels to a location proximate where the plurality of solar panels are to be installed. The solar panel installation machine is configured to autonomously pick up a respective solar panel of the plurality of solar panels from the solar panel carrier machine and autonomously provide the respective solar panel to an installation location where the respective solar panel can be secured to a solar panel support.

[0005] JP2023156201A discloses about an invention that is a kind to provide a solar panel installation device allowing repair work such as water proof work to be easily carried out on the installation area of solar panels on roof floors, roofs and the like. A solar panel installation device is configured to arrange a pair of solar panel fitting frames on which a solar panel is fitted; a solar panel support tool provided with, at its bottom side, a substrate side fixing part which is attachable to the substrate and, at its top side, a fitting frame fixing part to which each one end side of the pair of solar panel fitting frames is attachable; a pivotal mechanism on the fitting frame fixing part, which pivotally supports each of the pair of solar panel fitting frames in a vertical direction to allow those of the other ends of side parts to be apart/close from each other to allow the solar panel to pivot vertically; and an erected posture holding device allowing those of the other ends of the side parts to be held in a posture where those are close to each other by individually erecting the pair of solar panel fitting frames so as to pivot the solar panel upward.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for installing solar panel. However, these devices are incapable of accurately determining the position of the installation site, thereby fails to place the panel precisely as specified for automated installation of the solar panel. In addition, these existing device fails to detect the weight of the solar panel and fails to notify the user regarding restocking the panels.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that determine the position of the installation site and accordingly place the panel precisely as specified by the user for automated installation of the solar panel. Additionally, the device determines the weight of the solar panel in order to notify the user regarding restocking of the panels.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining a position of the installation site and accordingly place the panel as the user specified site, in order to install the solar panel in a precise and an automated manner

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting a weight of the solar panel in order to notify the user regarding a restocking the panels.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a solar panel installation device that is capable of determining the position of the installation site and accordingly place the solar panel precisely as specified by the user for automated installation of the solar panel. Additionally, the proposed device determines the weight of the solar panel in order to notify the user regarding restocking of the panels.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a solar panel installation device comprises of a rectangular base having four telescopic rods under the base having motorized omnidirectional wheels with brake shoes at their ends for a locomotion of the base, L-shaped telescopic bars with suction cups provided at the ends of the telescopic rods for affixing a position of the base on a sloped surface, an angle sensor provided on the base for detecting an angle of a ground surface to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the telescopic bars to push the suction cups against the ground surface to prevent a rolling of the base, a storage container provided under the base for a storage of the solar panel, a pair of robotic arms provided on the base for picking the solar panel from the container and placing the panel at a site of installation and an L-shaped telescopic link attached to the base and having a screw gun at the end for fastening of the panel at the site of installation.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base to determine a position of the site, a weight sensor provided in the container for detecting the weight of the panels, a speaker provided on the base and linked with the microcontroller to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a restocking the panels, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller provided on the base for receiving an audio command from the user regarding the installation of the solar panel, a communication module linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the base for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a solar panel installation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a solar panel installation device that is capable of determining the position of the installation site and accordingly place the solar panel precisely as specified by the user for automated installation of the solar panel. Additionally, the proposed device determines the weight of the solar panel in order to notify the user regarding restocking of the panels.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a solar panel installation device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 1 equipped with motorized omnidirectional wheels 8, an imaging unit 2 installed on the base 1, a L-shaped telescopic bar 9 with suction cup 10 install at the ends base 1, a pair of robotic arms 3 provided on the base 1, an L-shaped telescopic link 4 attached to the base 1and having a screw gun 5 at the end, a microphone 6 installed on the base 1, a speaker 7 installed on the base 1.

[0023] The proposed invention is comprising a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods under the base 1. The rectangular base 1 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. The rectangular base 1 is constructed from sturdy and robust materials that may include but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum. These materials offer rigidness and robustness to the platform making the platform resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0024] Further, the telescopic rod having motorized omnidirectional wheels 8 with brake shoes at their ends, for a locomotion of the base 1. The omnidirectional wheel 8 is designed to move the base 1 in any direction without changing the orientation of the platform offering exceptional maneuverability to the platform. The wheels 8 enable the base 1 to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for moving and positioning the base 1 over a ground surface in proximity to installation site.

[0025] After then, an L-shaped telescopic bar 9 with suction cups 10 configured at the ends of the telescopic rods, for affixing a position of the base 1 on a sloped surface. Herein, an angle sensor configured with the base 1 for detecting an angle of a ground surface. The angle sensor used herein is preferably an optical angle sensor that use light beams and optical detectors to measure changes in light reflection or transmission caused by the angle of the ground surface. As the angle changes, the amount of light reflected or transmitted varies, allowing the sensor to calculate the angle. The angle sensor provides an output signal to the microcontroller that represents the detected angle of the ground surface.

[0026] Upon determining the angle of the ground surface exceed the threshold level, the microcontroller actuate the telescopic bar 9 to push the suction cups 10 against the ground surface to prevent a rolling of the base 1. The extension of the bar 9 is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device and includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor propels the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the bar 9 to push the suction cups 10 against the ground surface to prevent a rolling of the base 1.

[0027] The suction cups 10 are consist of a circular disc which are made of a flexible material mostly rubber with a rounded edge, whenever the pressure is applied by the concerned person in the center of the disc, a concave shape is generated and when the cups 10 is forced against ground surface a vacuum is created in the cups 10 which causes the cups 10 to stick strongly with the surface ground surface to prevent a rolling of the base 1.

[0028] Further, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the base 1 to determine a position of the site of installation. The imaging unit 2 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in a vicinity of the basand the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 2 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 2 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines a position of the site of installation.

[0029] Furthermore, a storage container provided under the base 1 for a storage of the solar panel. Upon determining a position of the site of installation, the microcontroller actuate a pair of robotic arms 3 provided on the base 1 for picking the solar panel from the container and placing the panel at a site of installation The robotic arms 3 are able to perform the designated task with high efficiency and accuracy, wherein the robotic arms 3 consists of mechanical joints and actuators, which are controlled by the microcontroller. The actuators allow various degrees of freedom and movement and the joints are actuated by a DC (Direct Current) motor, providing the necessary force and motion to grab solar panel from the container and placing the panel at a site of installation.

[0030] Upon placing the panel at a site of installation, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopic link 4 installed on the base 1 and having a screw gun 5 at the end for fastening of the panel at the site of installation. The link 4 operates on the same principle as that of the telescopic bar 9 disclosed above, thus the link 4 extend and position the screw gun 5 at end for fastening of the panel at the site of installation. The screw gun 5 is comprising of motor and screw, on actuation of the screw gun 5, the motor gets actuate and rotate the shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction in order to fastening of the panel at the site of installation.

[0031] Thereafter, the microcontroller activate a weight sensor provided in the container for detecting the weight of the panels. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of panel in the installation site, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of panel and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for evaluating weight of the solar panel and compared with pre-fed database 1.

[0032] In case weight of the solar panel receding the threshold level, the microcontroller activates a speaker 7 install on the base 1 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a restocking the panels. The speaker 7 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding a restocking the panels.

[0033] Additionally, a microphone 6 install on the base 1 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding the installation of the solar panel. The microphone 6 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 6 on receiving the input from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller on receiving the signals interpret user input and based on which the microcontroller actuates the robotic arms 3 and the telescopic link 4 to place the panel at the site of installation and fasten the panel at the site respectively.

[0034] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0035] The present invention work well in the following manner, where the rectangular base 1 as disclosed in the invention is having four telescopic rods under the base 1. Further, the telescopic rods having motorized omnidirectional wheels 8 with brake shoes at their ends for the locomotion of the base 1. The L-shaped telescopic bar 9s with suction cups 10 for affixing the position of the base 1 on the sloped surface. Then, the angle sensor for detecting an angle of the ground surface to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic bar 9s to push the suction cups 10 against the ground surface to prevent the rolling of the base 1. Thereafter, the storage container provided under the base 1 for the storage of the solar panel. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 to determine the position of the site of installation and accordingly actuate the robotic arms 3 to place the panel at the site of installation. Then, the L-shaped telescopic link, attached to the base 1 and having the screw gun 5 at the end for fastening of the panel at the site of installation. Then, the weight sensor for detecting the weight of the panels and in case the detected weight is below the threshold weight, the microcontroller to actuate the speaker 7 to generate an audio alert for the user regarding the restocking the panels.

[0036] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A solar panel installation device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods under said base 1, said telescopic rods having motorized omnidirectional wheels 8 with brake shoes at their ends, for a locomotion of said base;
ii) L-shaped telescopic bar 9s with suction cups 10 provided at the ends of said telescopic rods, for affixing a position of said base 1 on a sloped surface;
iii) an angle sensor provided on said base 1 for detecting an angle of a ground surface to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said telescopic bar 9s to push said suction cups 10 against said ground surface to prevent a rolling of said base 1, if said detected angle exceeds a threshold angle;
iv) a storage container provided under said base 1 for a storage of said solar panel;
v) a pair of robotic arms 3 provided on said base 1 for picking said solar panel from said container and placing said panel at a site of installation;
vi) an L-shaped telescopic link, attached to said base 1 and having a screw gun 5 at the end for fastening of said panel at said site of installation;
vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on said base 1 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 1, to determine a position of said site of installation to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate said robotic arms 3 to place said panel at said site of installation; and
viii) a weight sensor provided in said container for detecting said weight of said panels, to trigger a speaker 7, provided on said base 1 and linked with said microcontroller, to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a restocking said panels, if said detected weight is below a threshold weight.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 6, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 1 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding said installation of said solar panel to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said robotic arms 3 and said telescopic link 4 to place said panel at said site of installation and fasten said panel at said site, respectively.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 1 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said robotic arms 3 and said telescopic links to place said panel at said site of installation and fasten said panel at said site, respectively.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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