1. A portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) for one or more solar photovoltaic panels (106), comprising: at least one walkway grating unit (202) positioned to span across at least two frame portions (110/1- 110/2) of at least one solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and an adjacent solar panel (106) to provide a walking surface; at least one grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) attached to the walkway grating unit (202) to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit (202); one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) attached to the walkway grating unit, and positioned to rest on the two frame portions (110/1, 110/2); and one or more fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 – 210/4) positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) and the walkway grating unit (202) to secure at least one of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2), and the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

2. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the walkway grating unit (202) comprises at least one of: at least two longitudinal sides and at least two transverse sides, the two longitudinal sides connected to the two transverse sides to define a peripheral frame structure to span across the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2); one or more corner regions connecting the two longitudinal sides to the two transverse sides; at least one metal walkway grating attached between the two longitudinal sides and the two transverse sides to form the walking surface; and one or more first fastening locations provided on at least one of the two longitudinal sides, the two transverse sides and the corner regions to enable attachment of the elastic members (206/1- 206/2) with the walkway grating unit (202).

3. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) comprises at least one of: at least one first grating cover (204/1) comprising a first leg and a second leg angled relative to each other, wherein the first leg overlies and is aligned with one of two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and the second leg overlies and is aligned with one of two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); at least one second grating cover (204/2) comprising a third leg and a fourth leg angled relative to each other, wherein the third leg overlies and is aligned with one of the two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and the fourth leg overlies and is aligned with one of the two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); and one or more second fastening locations provided on at least one of the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to attach the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

4. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to provide elastic contact between the walkway grating unit (202) and the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2).

5. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 –210/4) comprise at least one of: one or more washer assemblies (208/1 – 208/4) positioned at one or more first fastening locations on the walkway grating unit (202) aligned with the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4), each washer assembly (208/1 – 208/4) comprising at least one of at least one hex bolt, at least one plain washer, and at least one spring washer; and one or more self-drilling screws (210/1 – 210/4) positioned on one or more second fastening locations of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to align with the walkway grating unit (202).

6. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one support member (212/1 – 212/2) attached beneath the walkway grating unit (202), and extending between the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2) to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit (202).

7. A method (500) for assembling a portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4), comprising: attaching at least one walkway grating unit (202) to span across at least two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2) of at least one solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and an adjacent solar photovoltaic panel (106) to provide a walking surface; attaching at least one grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202) to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit (202); attaching one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the walkway grating unit, and positioning the one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to rest on the two frame portions (110/1, 110/2); and securing, using one or more fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 – 210/4) positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) and the walkway grating unit (202), at least one of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2), and the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising at least one of: connecting at least two longitudinal sides to at least two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202) to define a peripheral frame structure to span across the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2); connecting the two longitudinal sides to the two transverse sides via one or more corner regions; attaching at least one metal walkway grating between the two longitudinal sides and the two transverse sides to form the walking surface; and providing one or more first fastening locations on at least one of the two longitudinal sides, the two transverse sides and the corner regions to enable attachment of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the walkway grating unit (202).

9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising: providing at least one first grating cover (204/1) comprising a first leg and a second leg angled relative to each other, wherein the first leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and wherein the second leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); providing at least one second grating cover (204/2) comprising a third leg and a fourth leg angled relative to each other, wherein the third leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and wherein the fourth leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); and providing one or more second fastening locations on at least one of the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) for attaching the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising, providing the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and attaching the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) for providing elastic contact between the walkway grating unit (202) and the two frame portions (110/1–110/2) of the first solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and the adjacent solar photovoltaic panel (106).

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising at least one of: providing one or more washer assemblies (208/1 – 208/4) at one or more first fastening locations on the walkway grating unit (202) aligned with the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4), each washer assembly (208/1–208/4) comprising at least one hex bolt, at least one plain washer, and at least one spring washer; and providing one or more self-drilling screws (210/1–210/4) at one or more second fastening locations through at least one of the grating cover (204/1–204/2) and into the walkway grating unit (202) to secure the grating cover (204/1–204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising: attaching at least one support member (212/1–212/2) beneath the walkway grating unit (202), and extending the support member (212/1–212/2) between the two frame portions (110/1–110/2) to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit (202). Date: 25th February, 2026 Signature: Name of signatory: Nishant Kewalramani (Patent Agent) IN/PA number: 1420

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention generally relates to solar photovoltaic systems. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for providing a portable walkway bridge assembly for safe access during installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic modules.
BACKGROUND
[002] Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, arranged in modules or panels. This renewable energy source has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, driven by declining costs, government incentives, and increasing global demand for clean energy.
[003] Currently, existing systems do not succeed in providing safe and efficient access for maintenance or installation across solar PV modules without risking damage to the panels. For instance, direct stepping on solar modules often leads to microcracks in cells, reduced power output due to load transfer onto fragile glass surfaces. The bridges or walkways placed on glass of solar modules exacerbate risks of cell damage from concentrated pressure or deformation.
[004] Several existing designs fail to enable movement directly above solar modules without contacting or loading the glass, increasing the likelihood of structural failures over time. Further, conventional walkway systems are typically built for navigation around solar array perimeter rather than spanning across modules, resulting in inefficient workflows during routing cleaning, inspections or repairs. The conventional solutions either provide walkways which can be placed over the module glass which risk damage of module cell and formation of microcracks, or placed besides the solar modules in which the accessibility is limited to a short range. The conventional solutions do not solve the core problem, which is to access the module safely without causing any damage to the cells.
[005] Other existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to rooftop walkways that only aid people walk around solar panels, not over the solar panels. Further, the existing systems do not enable movement directly above the solar modules without touching the glass and thereby transfer load to glass surface and hence decrease the durability of such systems.
[006] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for providing a portable walkway bridge assembly for safe access during installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic modules, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.
 
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[007] The principal object of this invention is to provide a portable walkway bridge assembly and method of assembly thereof to enable safe, temporary access and working platform across one or more adjacent solar photovoltaic modules without risking damage to solar photovoltaic modules.
[008] A further object of the invention is to transfer user load to frame regions of solar photovoltaic module array, avoiding any direct load or contact on fragile glass surfaces and cells.
[009] A further object of the invention is to prevent microcracks, glass damage, reduced power output and warranty voids by isolating all weight from glass.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to enable movement directly above/over solar modules without touching/loading the glass.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to offer rapid placement, lightweight solution, durable, stable operation and easy positioning without modifications to the solar photovoltaic module array.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a metal walkway grating to form a stiff, lightweight, durable walking surface that spans across solar modules effectively.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a grating cover to enhance edge protection.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide elastic member beneath the metal walkway grating to ensure cushioned, frame-only contact and load distribution.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to enable technicians to work safely over solar modules without stepping on glass, reducing personal risk of slips or panel induced accidents.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide stable surface for confident footing during maintenance tasks thereby preventing microcracks and power loss from accidental slipping, avoiding costly repair.
[0017] Another object of the invention is to support repeated repositioning for flexible use across different solar photovoltaic module array sections.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to enhance overall safety and efficiency, for technicians to perform routine cleaning, inspections, or repairs directly above solar modules.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to offer ease of handling for quick setup by a few users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0020] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0021] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0022] Figure 1A illustrates a pictorial representation of an exemplary solar photovoltaic module array comprising one of more portable walkway bridge assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0023] Figure 1B illustrates a detailed view of a first portable walkway bridge assembly positioned on frame portions of a first solar photovoltaic (PV) panel of the solar photovoltaic module array, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0024] Figure 1C illustrates a detailed view of fastening of the first portable walkway bridge assembly to a second frame portion of a solar photovoltaic panel, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0025] Figure 1D illustrates a detailed view of engagement of the first portable walkway bridge assembly and the second frame portion, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the first portable walkway bridge assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the first portable walkway bridge assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the first portable walkway bridge assembly, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a method of assembling and mounting one or more portable walkway bridge assemblies on solar photovoltaic panels of a solar photovoltaic module array, in accordance with an embodiment.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0030] The present invention discloses a portable walkway bridge assembly for supporting one or more solar photovoltaic panels and a method of assembling the portable walkway bridge assembly. The portable walkway bridge assembly comprises at least one walkway grating unit positioned to span across at least two frame portions of at least one solar photovoltaic panel and an adjacent solar panel to provide a walking surface, at least one grating cover attached to the walkway grating unit to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit, one or more elastic members attached to the walkway grating unit, and positioned to rest on the two frame portions, and one or more fastener assemblies positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover and the walkway grating unit to secure at least one of the elastic members to the grating cover, and the grating cover to the walkway grating unit.
[0031] The method of assembling the portable walkway bridge assembly comprises, attaching at least one walkway grating unit to span across at least two frame portions of at least one solar photovoltaic panel and an adjacent solar photovoltaic panel to provide a walking surface, attaching at least one grating cover to the walkway grating unit to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit, attaching one or more elastic members to the walkway grating unit, and positioning the one or more elastic members to rest on the two frame portions, and securing, using one or more fastener assemblies positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover and the walkway grating unit, at least one of the elastic members to the grating cover, and the grating cover to the walkway grating unit.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0033] The present invention discloses a portable walkway bridge assembly and a method of assembling the portable walkway bridge assembly for safe maintenance access over solar photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays. The portable walkway bridge assembly comprises of a stiff aluminum grating platform that spans across frame portions of solar modules, supported by EPDM rubber pads. These cushioned supports rest only on frame portions of solar panels, ensuring no load contacts glass surfaces to prevent damage like microcracks. Further, the portable walkway bridge assembly comprises edge-reinforced with L-shaped grating covers and secure via fastener assemblies such as bolts, washers and self-drilling screws. This design of the portable walkway bridge assembly is ergonomic, dynamic which enables quick placement, stable use, easy relocation and frequent repositioning without any modifications to solar photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays. In contrast to conventional maintenance walkways that rest directly on glass surfaces or require permanent structural modification of mounting frames, the disclosed portable walkway bridge assembly is configured to transfer load exclusively to frame portions of solar photovoltaic panels through elastomeric interface members, thereby preventing glass stress concentration, microcrack formation, and long-term module degradation.
[0034] Figure 1A illustrates a pictorial representation of an exemplary solar photovoltaic (PV) module array 100 comprising one of more portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0035] The solar PV module array 100 comprises a base platform 102. The base platform 102 may be a ground mounted structure upon which one or more solar photovoltaic (PV) panels 106 are installed, providing a foundation for the solar PV module array 100.
[0036] The portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4, namely a first portable walkway assembly 104/1, a second portable walkway assembly 104/2, a third portable walkway assembly 104/3 and a fourth portable walkway assembly 104/4, are walkway platforms for providing safe and temporary access over the solar PV panels 106 during maintenance, inspection, cleaning, repair activities and installations. There may be multiple such portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4 that may be deployed across the solar PV module array 100 as required, and the invention is not limited to four illustrated examples of the portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4.
[0037] In an embodiment, based on the scalability of the solar PV panels 106 and size or layout of the solar PV module array 100, the number of such portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4 may be installed quickly in as many units as required.
[0038] Each of the portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4 is attached to span across frame portions of respective solar PV panels 106. That is to say, the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 may be attached to at least one frame portion of a first solar PV panel 106/1 or adjacent solar PV panels, the second portable walkway bridge assembly 104/2 may be attached to at least one frame portion of a second solar PV panel 106/2 or adjacent solar PV panels, and so on and so forth for the remaining portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/3 and 104/4 on the solar PV module array 100.
[0039] The solar PV panels 106 may be conventional solar panels comprising glass surfaces enclosing photovoltaic (PV) cells, arranged in rows and columns to form an array like structure.
[0040] Figure 1B illustrates a detailed view 120 of a first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 attached to the frame portions 110/1, 110/2, namely a first frame portion 110/1 and a second frame portion 110/2, in accordance with an embodiment. The first frame portion 110/1 may correspond to the first solar PV panel 106/1, and the second frame portion 110/2 may correspond to adjacent solar PV panel of the solar photovoltaic module array 100. The first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 is depicted spanning across the first frame portion 110/1 and the second frame portion 110/2 of the first solar PV panel 106/1 and the adjacent solar PV panel respectively, resting exclusively on these frame portions 110/1, 110/2 to support one or more components of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 without any contact with glass surface of the solar PV panels 106. Advantageously, this placement ensures that the weight of a technician or any load applied to the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 is transferred solely to the robust frame portions 110/1, 110/2, maintaining complete clearance over sensitive glass and solar PV modules, thereby preventing damage such as microcracks during maintenance access. Likewise, the remaining portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/2 – 104/4 may be attached to respective frame portions of respective solar PV panels 106.
[0041] Figure 1C illustrates a detailed view 122 of fastening of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 to the second frame portion 110/2 of the adjacent solar PV panel 106, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0042] Figure 1D illustrates a detailed view 124 of engagement of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 and the second frame portion 110/2, in accordance with an embodiment. The detailed view 124 depicts underside surface where the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 contacts the frame portion 110/2 of the adjacent solar PV panel 106. A dedicated elastic member or rubber pad (depicted in FIG. 2) is securely mounted to the underside of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 and rests directly within the second frame portion 110/2. Advantageously, this cushioned engagement transfers all applied load (such as weight of a technician standing on the portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1) exclusively to the frame portions 110/1, 110/2, while completely avoiding any contact with or pressure on glass surface of the adjacent solar PV panel 106, thereby eliminating risk of microcracks, solar modules damage and performance degradation.
[0043] Figure 2 illustrates a top view (plan view) of the first portable walkway bridge assembly, in accordance with an embodiment. The first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1 comprises at least one of: at least one walkway grating unit 202, at least one grating cover 204/1, 204/2, one or more elastic members 206, one or more fastener assemblies 208/1- 208/4, 210/1- 210/4.
[0044] The walkway grating unit 202 forms a central rectangular structure to provide a walking surface. The walkway grating unit 202 comprises at least two longitudinal sides, namely a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, and at least two transverse sides, a first transverse side and a second transverse side. The two longitudinal sides are connected to the two transverse sides to define a peripheral frame structure which spans across the frame portions 110/1, 110/2. The walkway grating unit 202 comprises one or more corner regions connecting the two longitudinal sides to the two transverse sides. For instance, a first corner region may connect the first longitudinal side to the second transverse side, and a second corner region may connect the second transverse side to the second longitudinal side, and so on and so forth with respect to the remaining corner regions.
[0045] In an embodiment, the walkway grating unit 202 comprises at least one metal walkway grating that may be attached between the two longitudinal sides and the two transverse sides to form the walking surface. The metal walkway grating may comprise, for instance a non-slip aluminum walkway grating fixed to the peripheral frame structure to span across the frame portions 110/1, 110/2 between one or more solar PV panels 106.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the metal walkway grating may be an aluminum walkway grating AA 6063 T5.
[0047] In an embodiment, the metal walkway grating may comprise at least one of: aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and other fiber-reinforced composite grating, and the thickness of the metal walkway grating may vary depending on load rating and installation requirements.
[0048] The walkway grating unit 202 may comprise one or more first fastening locations provided on at least one of the first longitudinal side, the first transverse side, the second longitudinal side and the second transverse side, and the one or more corner regions to enable attachment of the one or more elastic members 206/1 – 206/4.
[0049] In an embodiment, the one or more first fastening locations may be provided proximate to edge portions of at least one of the first longitudinal side, the first transverse side, the second longitudinal side and the second transverse side.
[0050] The grating cover 204/1, 204/2, namely a first grating cover 204/1 and a second grating cover 204/2 may be attached to the walkway grating unit 202 to reinforce the edge portions of the walkway grating unit 202.
[0051] In an embodiment, the first grating cover 204/1 may comprise a first leg and a second leg. The first leg may be angled relative to the second leg.
[0052] In an embodiment, the second leg may be orthogonal to the first leg.
[0053] In an embodiment, the first leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two longitudinal sides, for instance, the first longitudinal side of the walkway grating unit 202. Further, the second leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two transverse sides, for instance, the first transverse side of the walkway grating unit 202.
[0054] In an embodiment, the second grating cover 204/2 may comprise a third leg and a fourth leg. The third leg may be angled relative to the fourth leg.
[0055] In an embodiment, the fourth leg may be orthogonal to the third leg.
[0056] In an embodiment, the third leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two longitudinal sides, for instance, the second longitudinal side of the walkway grating unit 202. Further, the fourth leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two transverse sides, for instance, the second transverse side of the walkway grating unit 202.
[0057] In an embodiment, at least one of the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2 may comprise one or more second fastening locations to attach the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2 to the walkway grating unit 202.
[0058] In an embodiment, the one or more second fastening locations may be provided proximate to edge portions of the at least one of the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2.
[0059] The one or more elastic members 206/1 – 206/4 may be attached to the walkway grating unit 202, and positioned to rest on the frame portions 110/1, 110/2 of the respective solar PV panels 106.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, each of the elastic members 206/1 – 206/4 comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer.(EPDM) rubber to provide elastic contact between the walkway grating unit 202 and the frame portions 110/1, 110/2 of respective solar PV panels 106.
[0061] In alternative embodiments, the elastic members 206/1 – 206/4 may comprise at least one of: silicone rubber, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, and other resilient materials capable of load damping and vibration isolation.
[0062] The fastener assemblies 208/1-208/4, 210/1- 210/4 may be positioned at one of more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover 204/1 – 204/2 comprising the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2, and the walkway grating unit 202 to secure at least one of the elastic member 206/1-206/4 to the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2, and the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2 to the walkway grating unit 202.
[0063] In an embodiment, the one of more fastening locations comprises at least one of the first fastening locations and the second fastening locations.
[0064] In an embodiment, the fastener assemblies 208/1-208/4, 210/1- 210/4 comprises at least one of: one or more washer assemblies 208/1-208/4, and one or more self-drilling screws 210/1 – 210/4.
[0065] In an embodiment, the washer assemblies 208/1-208/4 may be positioned at the one or more first fastening locations on the walkway grating unit 202 aligned with the elastic members 206/1-206/4.
[0066] In an embodiment, each washer assembly 208/1-208/4 comprises at least one of: at least one hex bolt, at least one plain washer and at least one spring washer.
[0067] In an embodiment, each washer assembly 208/1-208/4 comprises at least one of: the hex bolt, the plain washer and at least two spring washers.
[0068] In an embodiment, the self-drilling screws 210/1 – 210/4 may be positioned on the one or more second fastening locations of the first grating cover 204/1 and the second grating cover 204/2 to align with the walkway grating unit 202.
[0069] In an embodiment, each of the portable walkway bridge assemblies 104/1-104/4 comprises at least one support member 212/1- 212/2, namely a first support member 212/1 and a second support member 212/2.
[0070] In an embodiment, the first support member 212/1 may be attached beneath the walkway grating unit 202, and extends between the frame portions 110/1, 110/2 to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit 202.
[0071] In an embodiment, the second support member 212/2 may be attached beneath the walkway grating unit 202, and extends between the frame portions 110/1, 110/2 to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit 202.
[0072] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0073] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the first portable walkway bridge assembly 104/1, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0074] Figure 5 illustrates a method 500 for assembling a portable walkway bridge assembly for supporting one or more solar photovoltaic (PV) panels of a solar PV module, in accordance with an embodiment. The method 500 begins with attaching a first grating cover along a first longitudinal side edge and a second grating cover along a second opposite longitudinal side edge of a walkway grating unit, as depicted at step 502. Subsequently, the method 500 discloses attaching a plurality of elastic members beneath the first grating cover and the second grating cover and proximate to respective corner regions of the walkway grating unit, as depicted at step 504. Thereafter, the method 500 discloses aligning a plurality of washer assemblies on fastening locations on the first grating cover and the second grating cover and the walkway grating unit, as depicted at step 506. Thereafter, the method 500 discloses fastening the first grating cover and the second grating cover to the walkway grating unit using a plurality of self-drilling screws together with the washer assemblies, as depicted at step 508. Thereafter, the method 500 discloses attaching a first support member and a second support member beneath the walkway grating unit, such that the first support member and the second support member extend between respective frame portions of one or more solar photovoltaic panels, as depicted at step 510. Finally, the method 500 concludes by attaching the assembled portable walkway bridge assembly across respective frame portions of at least two adjacent solar photovoltaic panels of a solar photovoltaic module array, as depicted at step 512.
[0075] The advantages of the current invention include providing a portable walkway bridge assembly that enables safe, temporary maintenance access over solar photovoltaic (PV) panels while ensuring that all applied loads are transferred exclusively to robust frame portions of the solar PV panels through elastomeric interface members, thereby completely avoiding any contact with glass surfaces and preventing glass stress concentration, microcrack formation, and long-term module degradation. The stiff grating platform provides a stable, non-slip walking surface capable of supporting technician loads during inspection, cleaning, repair, and installation activities without compromising structural integrity of the solar PV panels.
[0076] An additional advantage is that the portable walkway bridge assembly is removably attachable on the frame portions without requiring drilling, fastening, or permanent modification of the solar photovoltaic panel frames or mounting structures, thereby enabling rapid deployment, easy repositioning, and repeated reuse across different locations of a solar PV module array. Further advantages of the invention include: edge reinforcement of the walkway grating unit by L-shaped grating covers to improve rigidity and impact resistance, vibration damping and load distribution through elastomeric pads to minimize point loading and prevent frame deformation, modular and scalable deployment of multiple walkway bridge assemblies across large solar PV module arrays, compatibility with different solar panel frame profiles and mounting configurations, lightweight construction enabling manual handling and quick relocation by maintenance personnel, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for outdoor and harsh environmental conditions, non-invasive installation that preserves manufacturer warranties of solar PV modules, and enhanced worker safety by providing a defined walking surface above solar PV panels without stepping on glass surfaces.
[0077] Applications of the current invention include use in solar photovoltaic power plants, rooftop solar installations, for enabling safe access during maintenance, inspection, cleaning, repair, commissioning, retrofitting, and performance monitoring of solar PV panels. The portable walkway bridge assembly may also be utilized during installation and replacement of solar PV modules, inspection of electrical connections and wiring routed beneath panels, and temporary access provisioning for technicians in constrained or high-density solar PV module layouts, without altering existing mounting structures.
[0078] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) for one or more solar photovoltaic panels (106), comprising:
at least one walkway grating unit (202) positioned to span across at least two frame portions (110/1- 110/2) of at least one solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and an adjacent solar panel (106) to provide a walking surface;
at least one grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) attached to the walkway grating unit (202) to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit (202);
one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) attached to the walkway grating unit, and positioned to rest on the two frame portions (110/1, 110/2); and
one or more fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 – 210/4) positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) and the walkway grating unit (202) to secure at least one of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2), and the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

2. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the walkway grating unit (202) comprises at least one of:
at least two longitudinal sides and at least two transverse sides, the two longitudinal sides connected to the two transverse sides to define a peripheral frame structure to span across the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2);
one or more corner regions connecting the two longitudinal sides to the two transverse sides;
at least one metal walkway grating attached between the two longitudinal sides and the two transverse sides to form the walking surface; and
one or more first fastening locations provided on at least one of the two longitudinal sides, the two transverse sides and the corner regions to enable attachment of the elastic members (206/1- 206/2) with the walkway grating unit (202).

3. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) comprises at least one of:
at least one first grating cover (204/1) comprising a first leg and a second leg angled relative to each other, wherein the first leg overlies and is aligned with one of two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and the second leg overlies and is aligned with one of two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202);
at least one second grating cover (204/2) comprising a third leg and a fourth leg angled relative to each other, wherein the third leg overlies and is aligned with one of the two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and the fourth leg overlies and is aligned with one of the two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); and
one or more second fastening locations provided on at least one of the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to attach the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

4. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to provide elastic contact between the walkway grating unit (202) and the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2).

5. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 –210/4) comprise at least one of:
one or more washer assemblies (208/1 – 208/4) positioned at one or more first fastening locations on the walkway grating unit (202) aligned with the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4), each washer assembly (208/1 – 208/4) comprising at least one of at least one hex bolt, at least one plain washer, and at least one spring washer; and
one or more self-drilling screws (210/1 – 210/4) positioned on one or more second fastening locations of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to align with the walkway grating unit (202).

6. The portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one support member (212/1 – 212/2) attached beneath the walkway grating unit (202), and extending between the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2) to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit (202).

7. A method (500) for assembling a portable walkway bridge assembly (104/1-104/4), comprising:
attaching at least one walkway grating unit (202) to span across at least two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2) of at least one solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and an adjacent solar photovoltaic panel (106) to provide a walking surface;
attaching at least one grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202) to reinforce edge portions of the walkway grating unit (202); attaching one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the walkway grating unit, and positioning the one or more elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to rest on the two frame portions (110/1, 110/2); and
securing, using one or more fastener assemblies (208/1 – 208/4, 210/1 – 210/4) positioned at one or more fastening locations on at least one of the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) and the walkway grating unit (202), at least one of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2), and the grating cover (204/1 – 204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising at least one of:
connecting at least two longitudinal sides to at least two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202) to define a peripheral frame structure to span across the two frame portions (110/1 – 110/2);
connecting the two longitudinal sides to the two transverse sides via one or more corner regions;
attaching at least one metal walkway grating between the two longitudinal sides and the two transverse sides to form the walking surface; and
providing one or more first fastening locations on at least one of the two longitudinal sides, the two transverse sides and the corner regions to enable attachment of the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) to the walkway grating unit (202).

9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
providing at least one first grating cover (204/1) comprising a first leg and a second leg angled relative to each other, wherein the first leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and wherein the second leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202);
providing at least one second grating cover (204/2) comprising a third leg and a fourth leg angled relative to each other, wherein the third leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two longitudinal sides of the walkway grating unit (202), and wherein the fourth leg overlies and is aligned with at least one of the two transverse sides of the walkway grating unit (202); and
providing one or more second fastening locations on at least one of the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) for attaching the first grating cover (204/1) and the second grating cover (204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising, providing the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and attaching the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4) for providing elastic contact between the walkway grating unit (202) and the two frame portions (110/1–110/2) of the first solar photovoltaic panel (106/1) and the adjacent solar photovoltaic panel (106).

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising at least one of:
providing one or more washer assemblies (208/1 – 208/4) at one or more first fastening locations on the walkway grating unit (202) aligned with the elastic members (206/1 – 206/4), each washer assembly (208/1–208/4) comprising at least one hex bolt, at least one plain washer, and at least one spring washer; and
providing one or more self-drilling screws (210/1–210/4) at one or more second fastening locations through at least one of the grating cover (204/1–204/2) and into the walkway grating unit (202) to secure the grating cover (204/1–204/2) to the walkway grating unit (202).

12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
attaching at least one support member (212/1–212/2) beneath the walkway grating unit (202), and extending the support member (212/1–212/2) between the two frame portions (110/1–110/2) to provide structural reinforcement to the walkway grating unit (202).

Date: 25th February, 2026
Signature:
Name of signatory: Nishant Kewalramani
(Patent Agent)
IN/PA number: 1420