Adaptive Cleaning Systems for Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel cleaning systems for wind turbine blades, solar panels, and agricultural equipment, enabling efficient maintenance and increased productivity in the renewable energy sector.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's lens cleaning technology was designed for medical imaging devices. However, the same principles can be applied to other industries where cleaning is critical. Renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbines and solar panels, require regular cleaning to maintain efficiency. Current cleaning methods are often manual, time-consuming, and costly. The inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology to create automated, efficient, and effective cleaning systems for these industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods for inspecting and cleaning wind turbine blades, solar panels, and agricultural equipment using robotic arms and sheath assemblies. The sheath assemblies comprise a blade or panel sheath, a cleaning member, and a coupling element, allowing for precise and controlled cleaning. The robotic arms are adapted for attachment to the respective infrastructure, enabling efficient navigation and cleaning. The inventive concept's components and operation are designed to overcome the specific challenges of each industry, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the core technology, expanding its scope to new industries and use cases. The inventive concept's adaptation of the original patent's principles to address the unique challenges of renewable energy infrastructure constitutes a non-obvious and innovative step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the sheath assemblies, robotic arms, or cleaning members to accommodate different infrastructure types or sizes. Additionally, the systems could be integrated with sensors, drones, or other technologies to enhance efficiency and monitoring capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the renewable energy sector, where efficient maintenance and increased productivity are critical. Target industries include wind turbine manufacturers, solar panel installers, and agricultural equipment suppliers. The market for cleaning systems in these industries is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and product sales.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/70 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,382 |
|---|---|
| Title | Devices, apparatuses, systems and methods for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of an imaging device |
| Assignee(s) | ClearCam, Inc. |