Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic modules and associated frames and mounting hardware, and more particularly to an automated solar film installation device that is directed to installation of a solar film on a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Solar film, also known as window film or tint, serves multiple purposes including reducing heat gain, blocking UV rays, and enhancing privacy by reducing visibility from outside. Solar film is applied to windows in homes, offices, and vehicles to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. Solar films help to regulate indoor temperatures, thereby reducing cooling costs in summer and preserving warmth in winter. They also protect furniture and interiors from UV damage and offer privacy by reducing visibility into spaces. Additionally, some films provide shatter resistance, enhancing safety by holding shattered glass together during accidents or break-ins.

[0003] Traditional methods for installing solar films involve manually cutting and applying adhesive-backed films to window surfaces. Installers use tools like squeegees and heat guns to smooth out bubbles and ensure adhesion. Drawbacks include potential for improper installation leading to bubbles, creases, or peeling over time. Adhesive residue may be difficult to remove and can damage windows. Precise cutting and alignment are crucial, and installation requires skill to avoid visible seams or gaps. Moreover, removing and replacing traditional solar films can be labor-intensive and may require professional assistance, increasing overall cost and inconvenience.

[0004] USRE47733E1 provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof. Though US’733 relates generally to photovoltaic modules and associated frames and mounting hardware, and more particularly to an interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frames, however this cited prior art is incapable of installing a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, hindering accurate alignment, and overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0005] CN110915132B provide an array of solar panels that may be pleasing to an observer from an appearance. The BIPV system may be incorporated into the structure of a roof as part of the roof surface, in particular as a multi-zone roof module in which photovoltaic elements are embedded or incorporated into the body of the module in areas of different tile sizes. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the appearance of individual roof-tiled tiles or shingles. In addition, the multi-zone photovoltaic module may include a support structure that has a degree of flexibility between the different zones, allowing for a more efficient installation process. Though CN’132 relates generally to photovoltaic arrays, however this cited prior art lacks in installation of a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, hindering accurate alignment, and overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that relates to generally to photovoltaic modules and associated frames and mounting hardware, however this cited prior art is incapable of installing a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, hindering accurate alignment, and overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of installing a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, thereby ensuring accurate alignment, reducing installation time, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall effectiveness of solar film application.

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 installing a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, thereby ensuring accurate alignment, reducing installation time, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of installing a solar film over a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, thereby ensuring accurate alignment, reducing installation time, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the pressure applied over the film while installation on the surface and accordingly regulates the applied pressure, ensuring proper adhesion, preventing damage, quality installation, and longevity of the solar film.

[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] Aspects of the invention, in some embodiments thereof, relate to an automated solar film installation device for installing solar films. More specifically, the invention relates to a photovoltaic modules and associated frames and mounting hardware that is used for installation of a solar film on a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated solar film installation device, comprising a cuboidal body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface and configured with plurality of telescopically operated legs for providing support to body, a touch interactive display panel installed on the body enables a user to provide command regarding installation of solar film on the surface, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed on the body to capture and process a series of surrounding images in order to generate a three-dimensional mapping that is displayed on the panel to allow the user to select an area to be installed with the solar film, a motorized castor climbing wheels attached with each the rod, to maneuver the body in order to position the body in proximity to the specified area, a motorized roller housed in the body and wrapped with a solar film to unwrap the solar film that comes out of the body via a slit carved on the housing, a pair of robotic gripper installed on the body to grip the free end of the film and apply over an initial point of the specified area, a spindle attached with anterior of the body by means of a pair of L-shaped hydraulically operated bars to compress the applied film simultaneously, thereby installing the solar films.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a perspective view of an automated solar film installation device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic modules and associated frames and mounting hardware, and more particularly to an automated solar film installation device that is directed to installation of a solar film on a user-specified area of a surface in an automated manner, ensuring accurate alignment, reducing installation time, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall effectiveness of solar film application.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a perspective view and an isometric view of an automated solar film installation device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a cuboidal body 101 configured with plurality of telescopically operated legs, a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the body 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a motorized castor climbing wheels 104 attached with each the rod, a motorized roller 201 housed in the body 101 and wrapped with a solar film 202, a slit 105 carved on the housing, a pair of robotic gripper 106 installed on the body 101 in proximity to the slit 105, a spindle 107 attached with anterior of the body 101 by means of a pair of L-shaped hydraulically operated bars.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes a cuboidal body 101 that developed to be positioned on a fixed surface where a solar film 202 is to be installed. The cuboidal body 101 as mentioned herein is an enclosure encasing various components associated with the device, wherein the body 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] The body 101 is equipped with motorized castor climbing wheels 104 in association with a microcontroller, wherein the wheels 104 are installed with support of multiple telescopically operated legs configured underneath the body 101 to maneuver the body 101 throughout the surface. The supporting rods helps to maintain an optimum distance between the base of the body 101 and the surface to enable the device to supervise the condition of the surface for effectiveness in the installation process of the solar film 202.

[0024] The microcontroller, mentioned herein is an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0025] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the body 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0026] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the body 101 for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding a requirement of installation of solar film 202 on the surface. The touch interactive display panel 102 as mentioned herein is typically an (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding a requirement of installation of solar film 202 on the surface. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0027] Based on input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, to capture and process a series of surrounding images. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the body 101, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 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 generates a three-dimensional mapping of the surrounding.

[0028] The generated 3-dimensional map is sent to the touch interactive display panel 102 in the form of an electric signal for displaying the generated map, wherein the display panel 102 is accessed by the user for selecting an area of surface, where the solar film 202 is to be installed.

[0029] In accordance to input commands of the user, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the motorized castor climbing wheels 104 to maneuver the body 101 over the surface in view of positioning the body 101 in proximity to the specified area of the surface. The motorized caster climbing wheels 104 incorporates a wheels 104 mounted on a swivel mechanism, typically within a bracket. The swivel mechanism allows the wheels 104 to rotate 360 degrees, providing multidirectional movement. The motor provides the required movement to the wheels 104 s, resulting in rotational motion of the wheels 104 for maneuvering the body 101 over the surface in view of positioning the body 101 in proximity to the specified area of the surface.

[0030] Upon positioning of the body 101 in proximity to the specified area of the surface, a motorized roller 201 housed in the body 101 and wrapped with a solar film 202 is actuated by the microcontroller for unwrapping the solar film 202 in pre-defined direction. The motorized roller 201 consists of a disc incorporated to a motor via a shaft. Upon actuation of the motorized roller 201 by the microcontroller, the motor provides the rotational force necessary to turn the disc. The speed and direction of the motor dictate the rate and direction of unwinding of solar film 202. The speed and direction of rotation of motor is regulated by the microcontroller is regulated by the microcontroller in view of unwrap the solar film 202, resulting in emerging of the film 202 out of the body 101 via a slit 105 carved on the body 101.

[0031] Upon emerging of the solar film 202 out of the body 101, a pair of robotic gripper 106 installed on the body 101, in proximity to the slit 105, is actuated by the microcontroller to acquire a grip over free end of the film 202. The robotic gripper 106 includes a link connected with multiple motorized ball and socket joints and a gripper 106 for smooth and precise gripping of free end of the film 202. The motorized ball and socket joint includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball move freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing movement to the gripper 106 for gripping of free end of the film 202. The microcontroller then directs the gripper 106 to apply the gripper 106 solar film 202 over an initial point of the specified area of surface. Synchronously, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the wheels 104 to maneuver the body 101 in forward direction for applying sheet over the surface.

[0032] During applying of solar film 202 over the surface, a pair of L-shaped hydraulically operated bars provided with anterior of the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to position a spindle 107 incorporated with the bars over the applied film 202. The L-shaped hydraulically operated bars is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the bars. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bars and due to applied pressure the bars extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the bars by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bars for positioning the spindle 107 over the applied film 202, in view of applying a compressing force over the film 202 for effectiveness in the installation process of the solar film 202.

[0033] A pressure sensor integrated in the spindle 107 detects pressure applied by the spindle 107 over the film 202. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the spindle 107 over the film 202 while applying a compressing force over the film 202. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for determining pressure applied by the spindle 107 over the film 202.

[0034] The microcontroller further processes the determined data to compare the determined pressure to a threshold value stored within a database linked with the microcontroller. In case detected to be exceeding the threshold value, then the microcontroller directs the bars to retract and reduce the applied pressure to prevent damage to the film 202.

[0035] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body 101 as mentioned in the invention is developed to be positioned on the fixed surface where the solar film 202 is to be installed. Upon activation of the device by the user, the microcontroller generates the command to activate the touch interactive display panel 102 for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding the requirement of installation of solar film 202 on the surface. Based on input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, to capture and process the series of surrounding images and accordingly generates the three-dimensional mapping of the surrounding. The generated 3-dimensional map is sent to the touch interactive display panel 102 in the form of the electric signal for displaying the generated map, wherein the display panel 102 is accessed by the user for selecting the area of surface, where the solar film 202 is to be installed. In accordance to input commands of the user, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the motorized castor climbing wheels 104 to maneuver the body 101 over the surface in view of positioning the body 101 in proximity to the specified area of the surface. Upon positioning of the body 101 in proximity to the specified area of the surface, the motorized roller 201 is actuated by the microcontroller for unwrapping the solar film 202 in pre-defined direction. Upon emerging of the solar film 202 out of the body 101, the pair of robotic gripper 106 is actuated by the microcontroller to acquire the grip over free end of the film 202. During applying of solar film 202 over the surface, the pair of L-shaped hydraulically operated bars is actuated by the microcontroller to position the spindle 107 over the applied film 202, in view of applying the compressing force over the film 202 for effectiveness in the installation process of the solar film 202. The pressure sensor detects pressure applied by the spindle 107 over the film 202. The microcontroller further processes the determined data to compare the determined pressure to the threshold value stored within the database linked with the microcontroller. In case detected to be exceeding the threshold value, then the microcontroller directs the bars to retract and reduce the applied pressure to prevent damage to the film 202.

[0037] 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) An automated solar film installation device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface and configured with plurality of telescopically operated legs for providing support to body 101 and to elevate said body 101 on time of requirement, wherein a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on said body 101 that is accessed by a user to provide command regarding installation of solar film 202 on said surface;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said panel 102, processes said command and actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 having a processer, installed on said body 101, to capture and process a series of surrounding images in order to generate a three-dimensional mapping that is displayed on said panel 102 to allow said user to select an area to be installed with said solar film 202, wherein based on said selected area said microcontroller directs a motorized castor climbing wheels 104 attached with each said rod, to maneuver said body 101 in order to position said body 101 in proximity to said specified area;
iii) a motorized roller 201 housed in said body 101 and wrapped with a solar film 202, wherein on reaching in proximity to said specified area, said microcontroller directs said roller 201 to rotate in pre-defined direction to unwrap said solar film 202 that comes out of said body 101 via a slit 105 carved on said housing, wherein a pair of robotic gripper 106 installed on said body 101 in proximity to said slit 105 that are actuated by said microcontroller to grip said free end of said film 202 and apply over an initial point of said specified area and followed by synchronized actuation of said wheels 104 to maneuver said body 101 in forward direction for applying sheet over said surface; and
iv) a spindle 107 attached with anterior of said body 101 by means of a pair of L-shaped hydraulically operated bars that are actuated simultaneously to extend and compress said applied film 202 simultaneously, thereby installing said solar film 202s.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated in said spindle 107 to detect pressure applied by said spindle 107 over said film 202 and in case detected to be exceeding a threshold value, then said microcontroller directs said bars to retract and reduce said applied pressure to prevent damage to said film 202.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.