Systems and methods of automated deployment of mounting devices for photovoltaic modules for solar plant installation
US11884197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02S20/23
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Automated systems and methods for deployment of mounting tubs that support photovoltaic modules are provided in which a feeder assembly includes a screw thread assembly and a pivot arm. The screw thread assembly has at least one rotatable threaded component, and two such components in exemplary embodiments, positioned within the feeder assembly. The rotatable threaded component supports the stack of mounting tubs and rotates to separate the individual mounting tub from the stack of mounting tubs and lower the individual mounting tub onto the pivot arm. The pivot arm is configured to interact with an individual mounting tub and pivots to dispense the individual mounting tub onto a mounting surface. A sensor may be provided to detect the positions of the individual mounting tubs as they are moved, and a control system communicates with the sensor and the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly and a hopper holding the stack of mounting tubs may be mounted on an autonomous cart.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.