DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to a system for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures. The system of the present invention allows continuous transition of a cleaning robot when interconnected between adjacent rows of solar tracker table structures without any operational disruption. The present invention restricts the operation of the cleaning robot to avoid accidents, if any disconnection between the adjacent rows of solar tracker table structures occur.
BACKGROUND
[002] Solar energy is one of the most resourceful forms of alternative renewable energy sources significantly used to meet ever-growing energy demand of the world. Solar panels are generally mounted on solar trackers. Solar panels ensure to capture and secure solar energy and solar trackers effectively orient the connected solar panels towards the sun thus maximizing capture of direct or diffused solar radiation in real-time.
[003] It has been evidently studied that cleanness of surface of the solar panel, play a critical role in effectively maximizing the capture of solar energy and therefore, the surfaces of solar panels affected by dirt, dust and other contaminants that may have been deposited on the surface of solar panel modules need to be cleaned periodically. A solar power plant has multiple solar panels mounted on multiple solar trackers tabled in multiple rows, each row of tracker table distanced from the later, stretching to large distances, whereby manual periodic cleaning of such multiple solar panel surfaces is time consuming and labor-intensive process. Alternatively, automatic cleaning robots are employed to suffice the requirement of cleaning the surfaces of solar panel modules. However, even such use of automatic cleaning robots has inherent limitations. Using a separate automatic cleaning robot for each solar tracker table is not feasible, as it increases input energy requirement and costs. Additionally, positioning and orientation of each solar tracker table row located adjacent to the next table row may vary in terms of elevation, orientation or inclination, directly effecting transition of the cleaning robot and causing delay in operation.
[004] Conventionally, connections used for connecting plurality of adjacent solar tracker table rows also have inherent limitations. Such conventional connections effect motion of each solar tracker and are also not secure as motion of each tracker varies and is not constant. Such conventional connections, when collapsed due to unforeseen circumstances, invariantly fail, causing delay in operations, limiting the transition of the robots and further leading the robot to fall through the collapsed connection, significantly damaging the robot.
[005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a system that overcomes one or more of therefore mentioned problems.
SUMMARY
[006] Accordingly, an exemplary aspect of the present invention discloses a system for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures located in a row, said system comprising: a mounting beam having a front end and a rear end, said front end of said mounting beam coupled to each said solar tracker table structure; and a bridge unit having a flexible frame located between said adjacent solar tracker table structures, said flexible frame having two parallel telescoping lateral beam members interconnecting two parallel transverse beams, each said transverse beam coupled with said rear end of each said mounting beam, each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member having a first member housed and slidable inwards and outwards within a second member, each said first member is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam in two axial degrees of freedom and each said second member is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam in three axial degrees of freedom, for allowing a continuous transitional passage for a cleaning robot over and along a length of said bridge unit coupling said adjacent solar tracker table structures.
[007] According to another exemplary aspect of the present invention discloses a locking system for a solar tracker table structure, said locking system comprising: a right-angled blocking member located parallel to said solar tracker table structure; a primary supporting member located parallel to said solar tracker table structure, said primary supporting member having an extending cross-sectional slot with a groove located on a face abutting a top end of said primary supporting member; and a first linking member located parallel to said solar tracker table structure, a second linking member located parallel to a frame, and an inclined third linking member; each said member interconnected with each other, said locking system having a first end coupled to a bottom end of a frame and a second end coupled to a bottom end of said solar tracker table structure in an unlocking position allows a continuous transitional passage of a cleaning robot over said solar tracker table structure and said frame while a translatable locking position triggered on collapse of said frame simultaneously in synchronization translates: said second linking member to an inclined position away from said frame; sliding of said inclined third linking member within said extending cross-sectional slot of said primary supporting member for locking said first end of said inclined third linking member within said groove; said first linking member linearly towards said solar tracker table structure; and said right-angled blocking member to an extending inclination position for causing a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[008] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:
[009] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures in a row, according to an aspect of the present invention;
[010] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a bridge unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[011] Figure 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a flexible frame according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[012] Figure 4 through Figures 4A-4D illustrates various detailed views of a locking unit in an unlocking position and a locked position, according to the embodiment of the invention; and
[013] Figure 5 through Figures 5A-5E illustrate a connection status of the system in relation to inclination or orientation of the adjacent solar tracker table structures.
[014] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figure are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to the other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference signs are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[015] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[016] In general, the present invention claims a system for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures located in a row, comprising a bridge unit having a flexible frame located between said adjacent solar tracker table structures for allowing a continuous transitional passage for a cleaning robot over and along a length of said bridge unit coupling said adjacent solar tracker table structures and a locking system for causing a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.
[017] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” “made of” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[018] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The skilled person will be able to devise various elements of the system having various structures, shapes that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. All the terms and expressions in the description are only for the purpose of understanding and nowhere limit the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Terms plurality, top, bottom, front end, rear end, first, second, parallel, inner, outer, perpendicular, primary, secondary, coaxial, collinear, telescoping members and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Thus, while particular type of structure, configuration, shape, material, angle, orientation, inclination, elevation, position of the solar tracker table structures, heights, lengths, widths, diameters, thickness, distances, type and number of adjacent solar tracker table structures, flexible telescoping members, pivoting hinges, mechanical members, have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other design parameters and configurations as well and are not limited to those described herein above may be as per operational requirements and nowhere limits the scope of the invention and are provided only for reference and for understating purpose of the invention.
[019] Referring Figures 1-5 discloses a system (10), a solar tracker table structure (100, 200), a mounting beam (105), a bridge unit (110), a flexible frame (115), two parallel telescoping lateral beam members (T, T’), two parallel transverse beams (120, 220), a first member (140, 140’), a second member (240, 240’), a locking unit (L), a right-angled blocking member (150), a first linking member (152), a second linking member (154), and an inclined third linking member (156), a groove (158), and a primary supporting member (160).
[020] Referring Figures 1-5, according to an exemplary aspect, the present invention discloses a system (10) for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) located in a row. The system (10) comprises a mounting beam (105) having a front end coupled to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200). Referring Figure 2 shows the system (10) having a bridge unit (110). The bridge unit (110) includes a flexible frame (115) located between said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200).
[021] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Referring Figure 3, said flexible frame (115) has two parallel telescoping lateral beam members (T, T’) interconnecting two parallel transverse beams (120, 220), each said transverse beam (120, 220) coupled with said rear end of each said mounting beam (105). Each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) has a first member (140, 140’) housed and slidable inwards and outwards within a second member (240, 240’), each said first member (140, 140’) is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam (120, 220) in two axial degrees of freedom (with the axis of rotation degree of freedom marked with the dotted lines) and each said second member (240, 240’) is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam (120, 220) in three axial degrees of freedom (also marked with dotted lines in 3 directions). The two telescoping lateral beam members (T, T’) are oppositely parallel to each other. The arrows in Figure 3 illustrate the direction in which telescopic connecting beams (T) pivot. The system (10) allows a continuous transitional passage for a cleaning robot over and along the length of said bridge unit (110) coupling said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200).
[022] Referring figures 4A-4D, according to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bridge unit (110) comprises a locking unit (L) having a first end coupled to a bottom end of each said plurality of transverse beams (120, 220) and a second end coupled to a bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200). The locking unit (L) includes a blocking structure (150). The blocking structure (150) is normally in “normal” or “unblocked” position for allowing smooth transition of cleaning robot between said adjacent solar tracker table structures and is triggered to be in blocking position by the locking unit when the flexible frame (115) is collapsed due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlocked position, the blocking structure is raised and completely blocks transition of robot any further down before the collapsed system, thus saving the robot from falling down the solar tracker table structure.
[023] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the locking unit (L) includes a right-angled blocking member (150) having a first edge, and a second edge. The right-angled blocking member (150) is interconnected by a primary supporting member (160) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200). The primary supporting member (160) has a projecting head front end and a rear flat end. The primary supporting member (160) includes an extending cross-sectional slot with a groove (158) located on a face abutting a top end of said primary supporting member (160). The locking unit (L) further comprises a first linking member (152), a second linking member (154), and an inclined third linking member (156), each linking member (152, 154, 156) having a first end and a second end.
[024] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each said member (150, 152, 154, 156, 160) interconnected with each other in an unlocking position allows said continuous transitional passage of said cleaning robot while a translatable locking position triggered on collapse of said flexible frame (115) cause a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot and stopping the cleaning robot.
[025] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second edge of said right-angled blocking member (150) along with said first end of said first linking member (152) is hinged to said bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) at said second end of said locking unit (L).
[026] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the rear top flat end of said primary supporting member (160) along with said first edge of said right-angled blocking member (150) is hinged to said bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) at said second end of said locking unit (L).
[027] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the projecting head front end of said primary supporting member (160) along with said first end of said second linking member (154) is hinged to said bottom end of each said transverse beams (120, 220) at said first end of said locking unit (L).
[028] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second end of said second linking member (154) is hinged to said second end of said first linking member (152), said second end of said inclined third linking member (156) is hinged to a face of said second linking member (154), and said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) is hinged within said extending cross-sectional slot.
[029] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the extending cross-sectional slot with said groove (158) is a linearly extending slot or an extending curved slot or an extending curvilinear slot as shown in Figures 4A-4B.
[030] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the collapse of said flexible frame (115) simultaneously in synchronization translates: said second linking member (154) located parallel to each said transverse beam (120, 220) to an inclined position away from each said transverse beam (120, 220); translates: sliding of said inclined third linking member (156) within said extending cross-sectional slot of said primary supporting member (160) for locking said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) within said groove (158); translates: said first linking member (152) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) linearly towards said solar tracker table structures (100, 200); and translates: said right-angled blocking member (150) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) to an extending inclination position for blocking said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.
[1] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first member (140, 140’) sliding outwards completely out of said second hollow cross-sectional member (240, 240’) of each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) or breakage of each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) relative to variations in misaligned positions or inclinations or elevations, or orientations of said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) from a horizontal with respect to ground triggers collapse of said flexible frame (115). When the third linking member (156) reaches a predetermined position, the right-angled blocking member (150) is raised as shown in figures 4C and 4D to block passage of the cleaning robot (not shown).
[031] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system handles misalignment of said adjacent solar tracker table structures without getting disconnected. The system is flexible enough to ensure that the motion of plurality of adjacent solar tracker table structures is not affected by the connecting system of present invention. The system ensures that the connection is maintained even if there is difference positioning and orientation of each solar tracker table row located adjacent to the next table row may vary in terms of elevation, or orientation or inclination and alignment.
[032] According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, Referring Figures 5A-5E, the adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) may be at different levels of elevation from the ground level. At a given time instant, the plurality of adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) may have different angle of inclinations. For example, the solar tracker table structure (100) may be horizontal with respect to the ground in a connected state at 0° inclination as shown in Figure 5A and the solar tracker table structure (100) may be inclined at an angle of 10°, 20° and 30° with respect to the ground as shown in Figures 5B-5D. The system (10) with the aid of bridge unit (110) having the flexible frame (115) connection withstand changes in relative orientation of the solar tracker table structures (100) up to a predetermined inclination up to 40° beyond which the system (10) collapses disconnecting the solar tracker table structures (100, 200) as show in Figure 5E. The solar tracker table structure (100) in Figures 5A-5E may also have different inclinations, elevations, and orientations. The system (10) facilitates an automatic cleaning robot to transit from the solar tracker table structure (100) to the solar tracker table structure (200) or vice versa. According to the embodiment, the predetermined inclination up to 40° which the system remains connected is as required by design of the system is for reference only and is nowhere limited. If as per design requirement system requires connection to remain connected up to predetermined inclination of 120°, the system is designed as per such specifications to meet operational demands. The locking assembly, telescopic members having respective degrees of freedom nowhere limit the invention and are provided for understanding of the invention.
[033] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a locking system (L) for a solar tracker table structure (100, 200). The locking system (L) comprises a right-angled blocking member (150) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200). The locking system (L) includes a primary supporting member (160) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200). The primary supporting member (160) has an extending cross-sectional slot with a groove (158) located on a face abutting a top end of said primary supporting member (160). The locking system (L) includes a first linking member (152) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200), a second linking member (154) located parallel to a frame, and an inclined third linking member (156). According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each said member (150, 152, 154, 156, 160) are interconnected with each other. The locking system (L) has a first end coupled to a bottom end of a frame and a second end coupled to a bottom end of said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) in an unlocking position allows a continuous transitional passage of a cleaning robot over said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) and said frame. The locking system (L) while in a translatable locking position triggered on collapse of said frame simultaneously in synchronization translates: said second linking member (154) to an inclined position away from said frame; translates: sliding of said inclined third linking member (156) within said extending cross-sectional slot of said primary supporting member (160) for locking said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) within said groove (158); translates: said first linking member (152) linearly towards said solar tracker table structure (100, 200); and translates: said right-angled blocking member (150) to an extending inclination position for causing a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.
[034] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of exemplary indicative implementation of a system (10) for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) located in a row and a locking system (L) for blocking passage of cleaning robot. It will be also apparent to a skilled person that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention, which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be many alterations made in the description without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is simple in construction and design, integrated, cost effective and easy to manufacture and assembly. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited said configuration disclosed thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise not restrictive to the terminology described herein above. Any discussion of embodiments included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

,CLAIMS:
1. A system (10) for connecting adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) located in a row, said system (10) comprising:
a mounting beam (105) having a front end and a rear end, said front end of said mounting beam (105) coupled to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200); and
a bridge unit (110) having a flexible frame (115) located between said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200), said flexible frame (115) having two parallel telescoping lateral beam members (T, T’) interconnecting two parallel transverse beams (120, 220), each said transverse beam (120, 220) coupled with said rear end of each said mounting beam (105),
each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) having a first member (140, 140’) housed and slidable inwards and outwards within a second member (240, 240’), each said first member (140, 140’) is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam (120, 220) in two axial degrees of freedom and each said second member (240, 240’) is pivotably coupled to said relative transverse beam (120, 220) in three axial degrees of freedom, for allowing a continuous transitional passage for a cleaning robot over and along a length of said bridge unit (110) coupling said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200).

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bridge unit (110) comprises a locking unit (L) having a first end coupled to a bottom end of each said plurality of transverse beams (120, 220) and a second end coupled to a bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200).

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said two telescoping lateral beam members (T, T’) are oppositely parallel to each other.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking unit (L) includes:
a right-angled blocking member (150) having a first edge, and a second edge;
a primary supporting member (160) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200), said primary supporting member (160) having a projecting head front end and a rear flat end, and an extending cross-sectional slot with a groove (158) located on a face abutting a top end of said primary supporting member (160); and
a first linking member (152), a second linking member (154), and an inclined third linking member (156), each linking members (152, 154, 156) having a first end and a second end,
each said member (150, 152, 154, 156, 160) interconnected with each other in an unlocking position allows said continuous transitional passage of said cleaning robot while a translatable locking position triggered on collapse of said flexible frame (115) cause a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second edge of said right-angled blocking member (150) along with said first end of said first linking member (152) is hinged to said bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) at said second end of said locking unit (L).

6. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-5, wherein said rear top flat end of said primary supporting member (160) along with said first edge of said right-angled blocking member (150) is hinged to said bottom end of each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) at said second end of said locking unit (L).

7. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-6, wherein said projecting head front end of said primary supporting member (160) along with said first end of said second linking member (154) is hinged to said bottom end of each said transverse beams (120, 220) at said first end of said locking unit (L).

8. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-7, wherein said second end of said second linking member (154) is hinged to said second end of said first linking member (152), said second end of said inclined third linking member (156) is hinged to a face of said second linking member (154), and said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) is hinged within said extending cross-sectional slot.
9. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-8, wherein said extending cross-sectional slot with said groove (158) is a linearly extending slot or an extending curved slot or an extending curvilinear slot.

10. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-9, wherein said collapse of said flexible frame (115) simultaneously in synchronization translates:
said second linking member (154) located parallel to each said transverse beam (120, 220) to an inclined position away from each said transverse beam (120, 220);
sliding of said inclined third linking member (156) within said extending cross-sectional slot of said primary supporting member (160) for locking said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) within said groove (158);
said first linking member (152) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) linearly towards said solar tracker table structures (100, 200); and
said right-angled blocking member (150) located parallel to each said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) to an extending inclination position for blocking said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.

11. The system (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 4-10, wherein said first member (140, 140’) sliding outwards completely out of said second hollow cross-sectional member (240, 240’) of each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) or breakage of each said parallel telescoping lateral beam member (T, T’) relative to variations in misaligned positions or inclinations or elevations, or orientations of said adjacent solar tracker table structures (100, 200) from a horizontal with respect to ground triggers collapse of said flexible frame (115).

12. A locking system (L) for a solar tracker table structure (100, 200), said locking system (L) comprising:
a right-angled blocking member (150) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200);
a primary supporting member (160) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200), said primary supporting member (160) having an extending cross-sectional slot with a groove (158) located on a face abutting a top end of said primary supporting member (160); and
a first linking member (152) located parallel to said solar tracker table structure (100, 200), a second linking member (154) located parallel to a frame, and an inclined third linking member (156);
each said member (150, 152, 154, 156, 160) interconnected with each other, said locking system (L) having a first end coupled to a bottom end of a frame and a second end coupled to a bottom end of said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) in an unlocking position allows a continuous transitional passage of a cleaning robot over said solar tracker table structure (100, 200) and said frame while a translatable locking position triggered on collapse of said frame simultaneously in synchronization translates:
said second linking member (154) to an inclined position away from said frame;
sliding of said inclined third linking member (156) within said extending cross-sectional slot of said primary supporting member (160) for locking said first end of said inclined third linking member (156) within said groove (158);
said first linking member (152) linearly towards said solar tracker table structure (100, 200); and
said right-angled blocking member (150) to an extending inclination position for causing a blocking interference in said transitional passage of said cleaning robot.