WO2024015978A2

WO2024015978A2 - Rail bridge for solar panel service vehicle with detachment recovery

Info

Publication number: WO2024015978A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/070236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoni MAGNER
Original assignee: Evermore United S.A.; TANG, Qinan
Priority date: 2022-07-14
Filing date: 2023-07-14
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: WO2024015978A3

Abstract

Self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array, the hinge mechanism including a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length, a detachable hinge, a detachable socket, a cable and at least one tension retainer, the rail bridge being coupled between the first array and the second array, the detachable hinge being coupled with either the second side of the rail bridge or the second array, the detachable socket being respectively coupled with either the second array or the second side of the rail bridge, the cable being coupled between the detachable hinge and the detachable socket and the tension retainer being coupled with the cable, the detachable socket being configured for detaching from and recoupling with the detachable hinge and the tension retainer for maintaining tension across the cable between the detachable hinge and the detachable socket.

Description

RAIL BRIDGE FOR SOLAR PANEL SERVICE VEHICLE WITH DETACHMENT RECOVERY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is being filed on July 14, 2023, as a PCT International Patent Application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/389,016, filed on July 14, 2022, and 63/526,485, filed on July 13, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE

The disclosed technique relates to devices and methods for enabling movement of solar panel service vehicles in general, and to methods and devices for bridging between adjacent solar panel arrays, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE

Solar panels are known in the art. They are placed outdoors typically, either in fields or on rooftops. Being located outdoors, they are subjected to wind, dust, rain, snow and other weather oriented phenomena. As a result, the surface of a solar panel may become dirty, thereby reducing the amount of light reaching the light engaging elements (e.g., photovoltaic cells or conduits of fluid to be heated).

One type of solar panel configuration is called tracking solar panels (or solar trackers for short), in which a mechanism changes the orientation (e.g., tilt angle) of the solar panels, to ensure that as the sun travels across the sky, the solar panels are placed as perpendicular as possible to their line-of-sight with the sun, thereby “tracking” it.

Solar panel service systems are also known in the art, and typically include an automated/robotic service/vehicle (e.g., cleaning mechanism, inspection devices) that travels along the solar panel configuration and service the solar panel surface. Solar panel service systems that clean solar panels, remove dirt attached thereto, thereby allowing more light to reach the light engaging elements and thus increase energy conversion efficiency.

One type of solar panel service mechanisms travels on the edges of the solar panels (e.g., or on rails, usually affixed to one or more of the boundaries (e.g., top, bottom) of an array of solar panels). Typically, a single solar panel service mechanism is required to provide service to a plurality of solar panel arrays. Each solar panel array may include a set number of solar panels, such as 8, 12 or 16 solar panels. Adjacent solar panel arrays can be coupled to form a solar panel row. In this case, the edge of one solar panel array has to be connected to the edge of an adjacent solar panel array, for example by a rail bridge. When the solar panel arrays are tracking solar panels, and are capable of moving independently of one another, the rail bridge has to be able to adapt its length as well as its angle to the gap between the ends of the rails of these adjacent tracking solar panel arrays. It is noted that the frame edges of some solar panels can also serve as rails.

Reference is now made to Figures 1A, IB and 1C, which are schematic illustrations of the prior art. Figure 1 A is a schematic illustration of tracking solar panel arrays, generally referenced 10 and 20, which are known in the art, at a first state. Figure IB is a schematic illustration of tracking solar panel arrays 10 and 20 at a second state. Figure 1C is a schematic illustration of tracking solar panel arrays 10 and 20 at a third state.

Tracking solar panel array 10 includes three solar panels 14A, 14B and 14C and is rotatable over rotation axel 16. Tracking solar panel array 20 includes three solar panels 24A, 24B and 24C and is rotatable over rotation axel 26. As shown, solar panels within a tracking solar panel array are separated by a distance dpaneis.

A service system 30 moves across the panels 14A, 14B and 14C of tracking solar panel array 10 in the direction of an arrow 38. Service system 30 includes a servicing unit 32 and two driver units 34A and 34B. Driver unit 34A moves across the bottom edge of tracking solar panel array 10 and driver unit 34B moves across the top edge of tracking solar panel array 10. Each driver unit has a distance dorive which as shown is larger than dpaneis, thus enabling service system 30 to seamlessly move from solar panel to solar panel within a tracking solar panel array. However as shown, dorive is smaller than a distance between adjacent tracking solar panel arrays (defined below as a distance dc.a ) and hence a rail bridge is required to enable service system 30 to move between adjacent tracking solar panel arrays. In some service systems, the driver unit may include a plurality of wheels for moving service system 30 along the width of the tracking solar panel array. In such a scenario, the diameter of the wheels may be significantly smaller than dorive however the diameter of the wheels should be larger than dpaneis in order to enable the wheels of the service system to cross the distance dpaneis. In such setups, a rail bridge may nonetheless still be required between adjacent tracking solar panel arrays even if dGap is smaller than dorive (as the diameter of the wheels may be smaller than doap). When adjacent tracking solar panel arrays are at the same angle and provided the surface they are placed upon is level and even, then the distance value of the gap between the left end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 10 (denoted as a point 18 in panel 14C) and the right end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 20 (denoted as a point 28 in panel 24A) is identical to the distance value of the gap between the left end of the top rail of tracking solar panel array 10 (panel 14C) and the right end of the top rail of tracking solar panel array 20 (panel 24A) and is hereby denoted doap. This value changes when the relative orientation between tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel 20 changes.

A rail bridge 36A is coupled to the left end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 10, point 18, and the right end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 20, point 28. A rail bridge 36B is coupled to the left end of the top rail of tracking solar panel array 10 and the right end of the top rail of tracking solar panel array 20.

Rail bridges 36A and 36B are operative to change their length dBndge in order to adapt to limited changes in dc.ap. In Figure 1A, tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20 are practically at the same orientation and hence, essentially, their relative orientation is equal to zero and so, doap is at its lowest value dcap-i.

With reference to Figure IB, tracking solar panel array 20 tilts backwards relative to tracking solar panel array 10, the relative orientation between these two arrays increases and as a result, dc.ap increases to a value dc.ap-2. As shown in Figure IB, rail bridge 36A is capable of adapting its length dBndge to distance value dcap-2. Whereas not shown in Figure IB, it is assumed that rail bridge 36B is also capable of adapting its length dBndge to an appropriate distance value.

With reference to Figure 1C, tracking solar panel array 20 tilts backwards even further relative to tracking solar panel array 10, the relative orientation between these two arrays increases even further and as a result, doap increases to a value doap-3. As shown in Figure 1C, rail bridge 36A is incapable of extending itself to a value of doap-3 and thus it detaches from the right end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 20 (panel 24A), point 28, and sways downwards. Whereas not shown in Figure 1C, it is also assumed that rail bridge 36B is incapable of extending itself to a value to accommodate its length dBrfdge to an appropriate distance value and thus rail bridge 36B may also detach from the right end of the top rail of tracking solar panel array 20. In the scenario in Figure 1C, service system 30 cannot cross over from tracking solar panel array 10 to tracking solar panel array 20. At this point, a service person would have to arrive at the site, reorient tracking solar panel array 20 (e.g., or 10 or both), ensure that dGap is no greater than the maximal allowed length of rail bridges 36A and 36B and recouple the loose end of rail bridge 36A back to the right end of the bottom rail of tracking solar panel array 20. It is noted that the situation show n in Figure 1C is not a desired situation for a tracking solar panel array however such a situation can occur due to a variety of circumstances and reasons. For example, if there is out-of-sync communication between tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20, meaning tracking solar panel array 20 received a command to rotate 120° and begins rotating whereas tracking solar panel array 10 has not yet received that command. Other possible examples can include a misalignment in either the height and/or east/west direction of tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20, a difference in calibration in the motors which rotate each of tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20, thermal expansion of the metals constituting each of tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20 as well as different slopes for the torque tubes used to rotate each one of tracking solar panel array 10 and tracking solar panel array 20.

There is thus a need for a rail bridge with increased adaptability and the capability of self-recovery from a rail bridge detachment scenario.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE

It is an object of the disclosed technique to provide a novel method and system for a self-recoupling and self-recovering rail bridge in a solar panel installation. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technique there is thus provided a self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array. The detachable hinge mechanism includes a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length, a detachable hinge, a detachable hinge socket, a cable and at least one tension retainer. The solar panel rail bridge is coupled between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array, the detachable hinge is coupled with one of the second side of the solar panel rail bridge and the second tracking solar panel array and the detachable hinge socket is respectively coupled with one of the second tracking solar panel array and the second side of the solar panel rail bridge. The cable is coupled between the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket and the tension retainer is coupled with the cable. A first side of the solar panel rail bridge is coupled with the first tracking solar panel array via a fixed hinge and the detachable hinge mechanism is coupled between a second side of the solar panel rail bridge and the second tracking solar panel array. The detachable hinge socket is configured for detaching from the detachable hinge and for recoupling with the detachable hinge and the tension retainer is for maintaining tension across the cable, between the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket. When attached to the detachable hinge socket, the detachable hinge is operative to rotate relative to the detachable hinge socket. The solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over the solar panel rail bridge between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array when the detachable hinge is attached to the detachable hinge socket.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technique there is thus provided a self-recoupling detachable mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array. The detachable mechanism includes a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length and includes at least two sections. The solar panel rail bridge includes a male connector, a female connector, a cable and at least one tension retainer. The solar panel rail bridge is coupled between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array, wherein a first side of the solar panel rail bridge is coupled with the first tracking solar panel array via a first fixed hinge and wherein a second side of the solar panel rail bridge is coupled with the second tracking solar panel array via a second fixed hinge. The male connector is coupled with one side of a first one of the two sections and the female connector is coupled with one side of a second one of the two sections. The cable is coupled between the male connector and the female connector and the tension retainer is coupled with the cable. The male connector and the female connector are configured for detaching from one another and for recoupling with one another. The tension retainer is for maintaining tension across the cable, between the male connector and the female connector. When attached, the male connector and the female connector maintain the two sections of the solar panel rail bridge as a load bearing joint. The solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over the solar panel rail bridge between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array when the male connector is attached with the female connector.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosed technique there is thus provided a self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array. The detachable hinge mechanism includes a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length, at least two detachable hinges, at least two detachable hinge sockets, a cable and at least two tension retainers. The solar panel rail bridge is coupled between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array, the two detachable hinges are respectively coupled with each side of the solar panel rail bridge and the two detachable hinge sockets are respectively coupled with the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array. The cable is coupled between the two detachable hinges and the two detachable hinge sockets and the tension retainer is coupled with the cable. Each detachable hinge socket is configured for detaching from the respective detachable hinge and for recoupling with the respective detachable hinge. The tension retainer is for maintaining tension across the cable, between the two detachable hinges and the two detachable hinge sockets. When attached to the respective detachable hinge socket, the respective detachable hinge is operative to rotate relative to the respective detachable hinge socket. The solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over the solar panel rail bridge between the first tracking solar panel array and the second tracking solar panel array when each respective detachable hinge is attached to its respective detachable hinge socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed technique will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figures 1A, IB and 1C are schematic illustrations of tracking solar panel arrays, which are known in the art;

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique;

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic illustrations of the detachable hinge socket shown in Figures 2A-2D;

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique;

Figures 5 A, 5B, 5C and 5D are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique; Figures 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket, shown in Figures 5A-5D;

Figure 7 is schematic illustration of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique;

Figure 8 is schematic illustration of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique;

Figure 9 is schematic illustration of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique; and

Figure 10 is schematic illustration of a self-recoupling rail bridge system, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed technique overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for self-recoupling and self-recovery of a rail bridge to a rail end it was decoupled from. The disclosed technique provides a detachable hinge mechanism which includes a detachable hinge, a detachable hinge socket and a tensioned cable coupled there between at all times wherein the rail bridge is adjustable in length to a predetermined limit. The detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket are configured to form a load bearing hinge assembly. Once the rail bridge reaches it adjustable length limit and when external forces pull the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket apart, the tensioned cable extends there between. When at a later time, the distance between the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket decreases and the rail bridge is within its adjustable length limit, the tensioned cable shortens, thereby bringing the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket back together, to reform a load bearing hinge assembly. The disclosed technique thus provides for a rail bridge with increased adaptability.

It is noted that the disclosed technique is generally described below with reference to single portrait (also known as IP) solar tracker arrays however the disclosed technique is not limited to such solar tacker array configurations. The disclosed technique can equally be used for dual portrait (also known as 2P) solar trackers, single access solar trackers, dual access solar trackers, heliostats, three landscape (as known as 3L) solar trackers, four landscape (as known as 4L) solar trackers and similar configurations with a plurality of solar panels for each length of solar panels (i.e., wherein within a row of solar panels more than one solar panel is placed within the length of the row). As described below, the rail bridge system of the disclosed technique is coupled with the upper side of the uppermost solar panel and the lower side of the lowermost solar panel where a gap exists between adjacent groups of solar panels. In the case of a single access solar tracker, the upper and lower sides where the rail bridge system is coupled are of the same solar panel. In the case of multiple solar panels forming a single and taller length of solar panels, a first rail bridge may be coupled with the upper side of the uppermost solar panel whereas a second rail bridge may be coupled with the lower side of the lowermost solar panel.

It is also noted that the disclosed technique is described wherein the rail bridge system is located at the edges of the profile of a solar tracker array to accommodate solar panel service systems which move along the outer profile and outer edges of a solar tracker array. However the disclosed technique is not limited to such configurations and can be applied to rail bridges for enabling solar panel service systems to cross large gaps between adjacent sections of a solar tracker array which are not specifically positioned at the uppermost and lowermost edges of the solar tracker array. In such configurations, the rail bridges may be positioned a predetermined distance away from the uppermost and lowermost edge of a solar tracker array. For example, the rail bridge system of the disclosed technique may also include additional rail bridges placed near the center of the large gap between adjacent solar sections of the solar tracker array. The disclosed technique can thus be used in such configurations as well.

It is further noted that the disclosed technique is generally described with the detachable hinge and detachable hinge socket being situated on a particular side of a tracking solar array however the detachable hinge and detachable hinge socket can be located at other positions within the rail bridge system as described below.

Reference is now made to Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, which are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling (i.e., also called a self-recovering) rail bridge system, generally referenced 100, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 100 includes a rail bridge 102 (also referred to as a bridge rail), a fixed hinge 104 and a detachable hinge 106, a detachable hinge socket 108, a cable 110 and a tension retainer 112. Bridge rail 102 is coupled between fixed hinge 104 and detachable hinge 106. Cable 110 is coupled between detachable hinge 106 and tension retainer 112, while being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 108. Being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 108 enables cable 110 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 106, while the distance between detachable hinge 106 and detachable hinge socket 108 changes. Detachable hinge 106, when coupled and attached with detachable hinge socket 108, can rotate within and relative to detachable hinge socket 108. Thus detachable hinge 106 and detachable hinge socket 108, when coupled together, form a flexible joint capable of rotation in a plurality of planes.

Fixed hinge 104 is typically attached to the end of a rail of a first tracking solar panel array (not show n ) and detachable hinge socket 108 is typically attached to the end of a rail of a second tracking solar panel array (also not shown), being adjacent to the end of the rail of the first tracking solar panel array. Bridge rail 102 is adjustable in length and may be embodied as a telescopic beam and in all of Figures 2A-2D is shown at its maximal length. The telescopic beam may include several tubes, each with a slightly smaller diameter, or may include a tube positioned inside a straight profile or vice versa. Bridge rail 102 can also be embodied as a spring with a high spring constant. It is noted that bridge rail 102 may include a plurality of stages for adjusting its length. As shown in Figures 2A-2D, bridge rail 102 includes two stages, however the bridge rail may include three, four or more stages for increasing its length.

With reference to Figure 2B, as the distance between the end of the rail of a first tracking solar panel array and the end of the rail of the second tracking solar panel array increases, bridge rail 102 increases to its maximum length at w ich point detachable hinge 106 detaches from detachable hinge socket 108. Thus as the distance between the end of the rail of a first tracking solar panel array and the end of the rail of the second tracking solar panel array increases so does the distance between fixed hinge 104 and detachable hinge socket 108. Since the rail bridge is at its maximal length, detachable hinge 106 detaches from detachable hinge socket 108, but remains coupled to cable 110, which is kept tensioned by tension retainer 112. Thus, tensioned cable 110 prevents rail bridge 102 from loosely swaying down (for example as shown in above in the prior art in Figure 1C for a hinge like rail bridge 36A).

With reference to Figure 2C, as the distance between detachable hinge 106 and detachable hinge socket 108 decreases, tensioned cable 110 guides detachable hinge 106 towards detachable hinge socket 108, orienting detachable hinge 106 to engage there detachable hinge socket 108.

With reference to Figure 2D, as the distance between detachable hinge socket 108 and fixed hinge 104 returns to be essentially the same as shown in Figure 2A, detachable hinge 106 is fully engaged with detachable hinge socket 108 and as a result, rail bridge 102 is operative to bear the load of a drive unit of a service system (not shown), while traveling there across, from the rail of the first tracking solar panel array towards the rail of the second tracking solar panel array. The tension on tensioned cable 110 when detachable hinge 106 is attached to detachable hinge socket 108 is high enough such that bridge rail 102 along with detachable hinge 106 and detachable hinge socket 108 forms a load bearing joint capable of supporting the weight of a service system (such as a solar panel cleaning robot) without detachable hinge 106 detaching from detachable hinge socket 108.

Reference is now made to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, which are schematic illustrations of detachable hinge socket 108 shown in Figures 2A-2D. Figure 3A is a view from the front of detachable hinge socket 108. Figure 3B is a view from the side of detachable hinge socket 108. Figure 3C is a view from the rear of detachable hinge socket 108. Figures 3 A-3C are merely schematic and not limiting to the shape and configuration of the detachable hinge socket as per the disclosed technique.

Detachable hinge socket 108 is made of a block of material that has an open semi -spherical cavity 128 facing the front side and a through hole 126 extending from the center of the surface of open semi-spherical cavity 128 to the rear side of detachable hinge socket 108. Through hole 126 accommodates cable 110 (Figures 2A-2D) passing there through. Open semi-spherical cavity 128 exhibits a maximal circumference 122 and an opening circumference 120, which is smaller/narrower than circumference 122. Open semi-spherical cavity 128 covers more area than half a sphere exhibiting a circumference 120. This way, when detachable hinge 106, which is spherical for example, is placed in open semi-spherical cavity 128, it is semi-secured therein, especially when bearing a load of a driving unit of a service system.

Reference is now made to Figures 4A and 4B, which are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling (i.e., also called self-recovering) rail bridge system, generally referenced 150, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 150 includes a rail bridge 152, a fixed hinge 154 and a detachable hinge 156, a detachable hinge socket 158, a cable 160 (not shown in Figure 4A) and a tension retainer 162. Bridge rail 152 is coupled between fixed hinge 154 and detachable hinge 156. Cable 160 is coupled between detachable hinge 156 and tension retainer 162 (not shown in Figure 4A), while being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 158. Being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 158 enables cable 160 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 156, while the distance between detachable hinge 156 and detachable hinge socket 158, changes.

Fixed hinge 154 is attached to the end of a rail of a first tracking solar panel 140 and detachable hinge socket 158 is attached to the end of a rail of a second tracking solar panel 142, being adjacent to the end of the rail of the first tracking solar panel 140. Bridge rail 152 is adjustable in length and may be embodied as a telescopic beam and in both of Figures 4A-4B is shown at its maximal length. Thus as first tracking solar panel 140 rotates with respect to second tracking solar panel 142, bridge rail 152 increases and decreases in length (not shown) depending on the relative lengths and angles between first tracking solar panel 140 and second tracking solar panel 142. Solar panel 140 is rotatable over rotation axel 144. Solar panel 142 is rotatable over rotation axel 146. With reference to Figure 4A, detachable hinge 156 resides within detachable hinge socket 158, operative to bear the load of a driving unit of a service system (both not shown). If bridge rail 152 reaches its maximum adjustable length and the distance between first tracking solar panel 140 and second tracking solar panel 142 continues to increase, then detachable hinge 156 will detach from detachable hinge socket 158.

With reference to Figure 4B, solar panel 142 rotates such that the gap between fixed hinge 154 and detachable hinge socket 158 exceeds the maximal length of rail bridge 152 and as a result, detachable hinge 156 detaches from detachable hinge socket 158, while still being connected to cable 160. Cable 160 passes through a through hole in detachable hinge socket 158 and is further coupled (not shown) to tension retainer 162, coupled with solar panel 142 (i.e., mounted thereon or on a dedicated structure coupled therewith). Tension retainer 162 maintains the tension of cable 160 so that when the gap between fixed hinge 154 and detachable hinge socket 158 decreases, detachable hinge 156 can be guided into the cavity defined in detachable hinge socket 158, thereby re-coupling it with detachable hinge 156.

There are several alternative embodiments to a tension retainer according to the disclosed technique:

• Elastic string coupled to the cable and extending when the doap extends beyond the maximal length of the rail bridge. • A spring (e.g., linear, helical or concentric) coupled to the cable and extending when the doap extends beyond the maximal length of the rail bridge.

• A powered winch with a tension sensor, releasing the cable when the sensed tension exceeds a first threshold and pulling the cable when the sensed tension is lower than a second threshold, thereby maintaining tension between the first threshold and the second threshold.

• A weight coupled to the cable which maintains the cable under tension when the doap extends beyond the maximal length of the rail bridge.

As mentioned above with reference to Figure 4A, in Figure 4B, rail bridge 152, embodied for example as a two stage telescopic beam, extends and retracts depending on the position and angle of solar panel 140 relative to solar panel 142. Rail bridge 152 extends and retracts so long as the threshold and extension limit of rail bridge 152 has not been reached. Once the threshold has been reached and the distance and angle between solar panel 140 and solar panel 142 continues to increase, detachable hinge 156 will pop out of detachable hinge socket 158. The tension in cable 160 allows detachable hinge 156 to return to detachable hinge socket 158 when the distance and angle between solar panel 140 and solar panel 142 decreases and therein remain attached as a load bearing joint which is strong enough to support that weight of a service system (such as a solar panel cleaning robot) crossing over rail bridge 152.

In addition, it is noted that in Figures 4A and 4B, fixed hinge 154 is coupled with solar panel 140 and detachable hinge 156 and detachable hinge socket 158 are coupled with solar panel 142. However according to the disclosed technique, fixed hinge 154 could be coupled with solar panel 142 and detachable hinge 156 and detachable hinge socket 158 could be coupled with solar panel 140 (not shown). In a further embodiment (not shown), fixed hinge 154 could be replaced with a detachable hinge and detachable hinge socket (not shown) such that rail bridge 152 has no fixed hinges and is coupled with both solar panels 140 and 142 via detachable hinges and detachable hinge sockets. In another embodiment (also not shown), rail bridge 152 may be attached to both of solar panels 140 and 142 via fixed hinges and a coupling and decoupling mechanism (not shown) may be located somewhere within the length of rail bridge 152 enabling rail bridge 152 to split into at least two portions and then under sufficient tension, reattach to form a continuous length of the rail bridge and a load bearing joint. In this embodiment, rail bridge 152 would have the ability to split into at least two portions if its adjustable length is extended beyond its maximum length and then reatached together via the tension in the cable provided by tension retainer 162. One portion of the rail bridge may have a male connector whereas the other portion of the rail bridge may have a female connector such that the rail bridge can split into at least two portions and then recombine into a single portion.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique, the tension retainer is coupled with the rail bridge. Reference is now made to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, which are schematic illustrations of a self-recoupling (i.e., also called self-recovering) rail bridge system, generally referenced 170, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 170 includes a rail bridge 172, a fixed hinge 174 and a detachable hinge 176, a detachable hinge socket 178, a cable 180 and a tension retainer 182. Bridge rail 172 is coupled between fixed hinge 174 and detachable hinge 176. Cable 180 is coupled between detachable hinge 176 and tension retainer 182, while being loosely directed through detachable hinge 176. Being loosely directed through detachable hinge 176, enables cable 180 to stay coupled with detachable hinge socket 178, while the distance between detachable hinge 176 and detachable hinge socket 178, changes.

Fixed hinge 174 is typically coupled with the edge end of a first tracking solar panel array and detachable hinge socket 178 is typically coupled with the edge end of a second tracking solar panel array, being adjacent to the edge end of the first tracking solar panel array. Bridge rail 172 is adjustable in length and can be embodied as a telescopic beam and in all of Figures 5A-5D is shown at its maximal length.

With reference to Figure 5B, as the distance between the edge end of the first tracking solar panel array and the edge end of the second tracking solar panel array increases, so does the distance between fixed hinge 174 and detachable hinge socket 178. Since rail bridge 172 is at its maximal length, detachable hinge 176 detaches from detachable hinge socket 178, but remains coupled to cable 180, which is kept tensioned by tension retainer 182. Thus, tensioned cable 180 prevents rail bridge 172 from loosely swaying down (for example as was shown above in the prior art in Figure 1C for a hinge like rail bridge 36A).

With reference to Figure 5C, as the distance between detachable hinge 176 and detachable hinge socket 178 decreases, tensioned cable 180 guides detachable hinge 176 towards detachable hinge socket 178 and orientates it for reengaging with it. With reference to Figure 5D, as the distance between detachable hinge socket 178 and fixed hinge 174 returns to be essentially the same as shown in Figure 5A, detachable hinge 176 is fully engaged with detachable hinge socket 178 and as a result, rail bridge 172 is operative to bear the load of a drive unit of a service system (not shown), while traveling there across, from the rail of the first tracking solar panel array towards the rail of the second tracking solar panel array.

Reference is now made to Figures 6A and 6B, which are schematic illustrations of detachable hinge 176 and detachable hinge socket 178, shown in Figures 5A-5D. Figure 6A is a view from the front of detachable hinge 176. Figure 6B is a view from the side of detachable hinge socket 178 and of detachable hinge 176.

With reference to Figure 6 A, detachable hinge 176 includes a through hole 196 extending from end to end. With reference to Figure 6B, detachable hinge socket 178 is made of a block of material that has an open semi-spherical cavity 198 facing the front side. As clearly shown in Figure 6B, detachable hinge 176 includes through hole 196 extending from end to end of detachable hinge 176. Through hole 196 accommodates cable 180 (Figures 5A-5D) passing there through. Open semi-spherical cavity 198 exhibits a maximal circumference 192 and an opening circumference 190, which is smaller/narrower than circumference 192. Open semi-spherical cavity 198 covers more area than half a sphere exhibiting a circumference 190. This way, when detachable hinge 176 is placed in cavity 198, it is semi-secured therein, especially when bearing a load of a driving unit of a service system. As mentioned above, the shape of detachable hinge 176 and detachable hinge socket 178 is shown as a spherical and semi-spherical cavity respectively merely for the purposes of illustrating the disclosed technique. As readily understood by the worker skilled in the art, detachable hinge 176 and detachable hinge socket 178 can take on other complementary shapes so long as detachable hinge 176 is firmly attached to detachable hinge socket 178 when cable 180 is held under tension and the adjustable length of the rail bridge is within its extension limits.

Reference is now made to Figure 7, which is schematic illustration of a self- recoupling rail bridge system, generally referenced 200, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 200 includes a rail bridge 202, a fixed hinge 204 and a detachable hinge 206, a detachable hinge socket 208, a cable 210 and a tension retainer 212. Bridge rail 202 is coupled between fixed hinge 204 and detachable hinge socket 208. Cable 210 is coupled between detachable hinge 206 and tension retainer 212, while being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 208. Fixed hinge 204 is coupled with a first solar panel array (not shown) and detachable hinge 206 is coupled with a second solar panel array (not shown). Tension retainer 212 is coupled with rail bridge 202. Being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 208 enables cable 210 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 206, while the distance between detachable hinge 206 and detachable hinge socket 208, changes. System 200 works similar to the other self-recoupling rail bridge systems shown above in Figures 2A-2D, 4A-4B, 5A-5D except that the detachable hinge socket is coupled directly with the bridge rail and the tension retainer is also coupled directly with the bridge rail.

Reference is now made to Figure 8, which is schematic illustration of a self- recoupling rail bridge system, generally referenced 220, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 220 includes a rail bridge 222, a fixed hinge 224 and a detachable hinge 226, a detachable hinge socket 228, a cable 230 and a tension retainer 232. Bridge rail 222 is coupled between fixed hinge 224 and detachable hinge socket 228. Cable 230 is coupled between detachable hinge socket 228 and tension retainer 232, while being loosely directed through detachable hinge 226. Fixed hinge 224 is coupled with a first solar panel array (not shown) and detachable hinge 226 is coupled with a second solar panel array (not shown). Tension retainer 232 is coupled with the second solar panel array (not shown). Being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 228, enables cable 230 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 226, while the distance between detachable hinge 226 and detachable hinge socket 228 changes. Similar to Figure 7, system 220 works similar to the other self-recoupling rail bridge systems shown above in Figures 2A-2D, 4A-4B, 5A-5D except that the detachable hinge socket is coupled directly with the bridge rail and the tension retainer is coupled directly with the second solar panel array.

Reference is now made to Figure 9, which is schematic illustration of a self- recoupling rail bridge system, generally referenced 240, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 240 includes a rail bridge 242, a fixed hinge 244 and a detachable hinge 246, a detachable hinge socket 248, a cable 250 and a plurality of tension retainers 252A and 252B. Bridge rail 242 is coupled between fixed hinge 244 and detachable hinge 246. Cable 250 is coupled between plurality of tension retainers 252A and 252B, while being loosely directed through detachable hinge 246 and through detachable hinge socket 248. Fixed hinge 244 is coupled with a first solar panel array (not shown) and detachable hinge socket 248 is coupled with a second solar panel array (not shown). Tension retainer 252A is coupled with rail bridge 242 and tension retainer 252B is coupled with the second solar panel array (not shown). Being loosely directed through detachable hinge socket 248 and through detachable hinge 246 enables cable 250 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 246 and detachable hinge socket 248, while the distance between detachable hinge 246 and detachable hinge socket 248 changes. Plurality of tension retainers 252A and 252B maintain tension over cable 250 and can operate independently of one another or in a coordinated manner. Similar to Figure 8, system 240 works similar to the other self-recoupling rail bridge systems shown above in Figures 2A-2D, 4A-4B, 5A-5D except that the system includes a plurality of tension retainers, one attached to the bridge rail itself and one attached to the second solar panel array.

Reference is now made to Figure 10, which is schematic illustration of a self- recoupling rail bridge system, generally referenced 260, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique. System 260 includes a rail bridge 262, a fixed hinge 264 and a detachable hinge 266, a detachable hinge socket 268, a cable 270 and a tension retainer 272. Bridge rail 262 is coupled between fixed hinge 264 and detachable hinge 266. Cable 270 is coupled between detachable hinge 266 and detachable hinge socket 268. Tension retainer 272 is coupled with cable 270, between detachable hinge 266 and detachable hinge socket 268. Fixed hinge 264 is coupled with a first solar panel array (not shown) and detachable hinge socket 268 is coupled with a second solar panel array (not shown). Tension retainer 272 maintains tension over cable 270 thereby enabling cable 270 to stay coupled with detachable hinge 266 and detachable hinge socket 268, while the distance between detachable hinge 266 and detachable hinge socket 268 changes. As explained above, tension retainer 272 may be embodied as an elastic and flexible string thus enabling detachable hinge socket 268 to engage with detachable hinge 266 (even though it appear schematically that tension retainer 272 will get in the way).

Accordingly, tension retainers according to the disclosed technique can be coupled anywhere along the cable, on either end thereof or on both ends. While the fixed hinge couples one end of the rail bridge with one solar panel array, either one of the two parts of the detachable hinge assembly, namely the detachable hinge and the detachable hinge socket, can be coupled with the other end of the rail bridge while the other part is coupled with the other solar panel array. As mentioned above, the embodiments of the disclosed technique have been described with the fixed hinge being on a particular side of the rail bridge and the detachable hinge being on the other side of the rail bridge however the position of the fixed hinge and the detachable hinge can be reversed. In addition, the rail bridge in any of the embodiments shown above may be coupled with adjacent solar panels via two fixed hinges on either side. In such embodiments, the bridge rail may not include a detachable hinge and a detachable hinge socket but rather a male connector and female connector located anywhere along the rail bridge which can detach and then be reattached. For example, in the case of a rail bridge embodied as a telescopic beam, the male connector and female connector may be positioned at any intersection between adjacent stages of the telescopic beam. According to another embodiment, the rail bridge may be coupled with the tracking solar arrays on either side by a detachable hinge and respective detachable hinge socket. In such an embodiment, no fixed hinge will be present.

It is further noted that a detachable hinge according to the disclosed technique has a coupling configuration with the detachable hinge socket and is not limited to a spherical configuration as shown in Figures 3A-3C and 6A-6B and can also be formed of cones, ellipsoids, diamond shapes and other generally smooth shapes, which can securely reside within a detachable hinge socket while being connected thereto. The detachable hinge socket likewise has a complementary coupling configuration to couple with the detachable hinge and is not limited to a semi-spherical configuration as shown in Figures 3A-3C and 6A-6B and can also be formed of cones, semi-ellipsoids, semi-diamond shapes and the other complementary shaped openings for receiving and semi-securing the shape of the detachable hinge.

It is further noted that a fixed hinge according to the disclosed technique is not limited to a spherical configuration and can also be formed of a spring, swivel, cardan and other type of flexible connections to the solar panels array, which can enable rail bridge flexible connections that can change with the bridge orientation relative to the solar panel arrays as two adjacent solar panel arrays are misaligned in their tilt angle.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the disclosed technique is not limited to what has been particularly show n and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the disclosed technique is defined only by the claims, which follow.

Claims

CLAIMS Self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array, said detachable hinge mechanism comprising: a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length, coupled between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array, wherein a first side of said solar panel rail bridge is coupled with said first tracking solar panel array via a fixed hinge and wherein said detachable hinge mechanism is coupled between a second side of said solar panel rail bridge and said second tracking solar panel array; a detachable hinge, coupled with one of said second side of said solar panel rail bridge and said second tracking solar panel array; a detachable hinge socket, respectively coupled with one of said second tracking solar panel array and said second side of said solar panel rail bridge, said detachable hinge socket being configured for detaching from said detachable hinge and for recoupling with said detachable hinge; a cable, coupled between said detachable hinge and said detachable hinge socket; and at least one tension retainer, coupled with said cable, for maintaining tension across said cable, between said detachable hinge and said detachable hinge socket, wherein when attached to said detachable hinge socket, said detachable hinge is operative to rotate relative to said detachable hinge socket; and wherein said solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over said solar panel rail bridge between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array when said detachable hinge is attached to said detachable hinge socket. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tension retainer is also coupled with said second tracking solar panel array. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tension retainer is also coupled with said solar panel rail bridge. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a first one of said at least one tension retainer is coupled with said solar panel rail bridge and wherein a second one of said at least one tension retainer is coupled with said second tracking solar panel array. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tension retainer is coupled between said detachable hinge and said detachable hinge socket. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tension retainer is selected from the list consisting of: an elastic string; a linear spring; a helical spring; a concentric spring; a powered winch comprising a tension sensor; and a weight coupled with said cable. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said fixed hinge has a flexible connection with said first tracking solar panel array. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 7, wherein said flexible connection is selected from the list consisting of: a spherical connection; a spring connection; a swivel connection; and a cardan connection. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said detachable hinge has a coupling configuration for coupling with said detachable hinge socket. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 9, wherein said coupling configuration is selected from the list consisting of: a spherical configuration; a cone configuration; an ellipsoid configuration; a diamond shape configuration; and a generally smooth shape configuration. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein said detachable hinge comprises a hole extending there through for accommodating said cable. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said detachable hinge socket comprises a coupling configuration for coupling with said detachable hinge. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 12, wherein said coupling configuration is selected from the list consisting of: a semi-spherical configuration; a cone configuration; a semi-ellipsoid configuration; and a semi-diamond configuration. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said detachable hinge socket comprises a through hole for accommodating said cable. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said detachable hinge comprises a spherical shape and wherein detachable hinge socket comprises an open semi-spherical cavity exhibiting a maximal circumference and an opening circumference, wherein said maximal circumference is larger than said opening circumference. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 15, wherein said open semi-spherical cavity covers an area larger than half said spherical shape exhibiting said opening circumference, thereby semi-securing said detachable hinge therein. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said service system is selected from the list consisting of: an automated cleaning robot; a robotic cleaner; a cleaning mechanism; a cleaning vehicle; an inspection device; and an inspection vehicle. The self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length is selected from the list consisting of: a telescopic beam; and a spring with a high spring constant. Self-recoupling detachable mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array, said detachable mechanism comprising: a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length and comprising at least two sections, said solar panel rail bridge being coupled between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array, wherein a first side of said solar panel rail bridge is coupled with said first tracking solar panel array via a first fixed hinge and wherein a second side of said solar panel rail bridge is coupled with said second tracking solar panel array via a second fixed hinge; said solar panel rail bridge comprising: a male connector, coupled with one side of a first one of said at least two sections; a female connector, coupled with one side of a second one of said at least two sections, said male connector and female connector being configured for detaching from one another and for recoupling with one another; a cable, coupled between said male connector and said female connector; and at least one tension retainer, coupled with said cable, for maintaining tension across said cable, between said male connector and said female connector, wherein when attached, said male connector and said female connector maintain said at least two sections of said solar panel rail bridge as a load bearing joint; and wherein said solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over said solar panel rail bridge between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array when said male connector is attached with said female connector. The self-recouphng detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said at least one tension retainer is also coupled with at least one of said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array. The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said at least one tension retainer is also coupled with said solar panel rail bridge The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein a first one of said at least one tension retainer is coupled with said solar panel rail bridge and wherein a second one of said at least one tension retainer is coupled with at least one of said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array. The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said at least one tension retainer is coupled between said male connector and said female connector. The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said at least one tension retainer is selected from the list consisting of: an elastic string; a linear spring; a helical spring; a concentric spring; a powered winch comprising a tension sensor; and a weight coupled with said cable.

The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said first fixed hinge and said second fixed hinge have a flexible connection respectively with said first tracking solar panel array and with said second tracking solar panel array.

The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said flexible connection is selected from the list consisting of: a spherical connection; a spring connection; a swivel connection; and a cardan connection.

The self-recoupling detachable mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length is selected from the list consisting of: a telescopic beam; and a spring with a high spring constant.

Self-recoupling detachable hinge mechanism, coupled between a first tracking solar panel array and a second tracking solar panel array, said detachable hinge mechanism comprising: a solar panel rail bridge having an adjustable length, coupled between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array; at least two detachable hinges, respectively coupled with each side of said solar panel rail bridge; at least two detachable hinge sockets, respectively coupled with said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array, each said detachable hinge socket being configured for detaching from said respective detachable hinge and for recoupling with said respective detachable hinge; a cable, coupled between said at least two detachable hinges and said at least two detachable hinge sockets; and at least one tension retainer, coupled with said cable, for maintaining tension across said cable, between said at least two detachable hinges and said at least two detachable hinge sockets, wherein when attached to said respective detachable hinge socket, said respective detachable hinge is operative to rotate relative to said respective detachable hinge socket; and wherein said solar panel rail bridge enables a service system to cross over said solar panel rail bridge between said first tracking solar panel array and said second tracking solar panel array when each of said respective detachable hinge is attached to said respective detachable hinge socket.