US-20260126214-A1 - DYNAMIC PROTECTANT

Abstract

The dynamic protection invention relates to a system and method for protecting against debris, limited chemicals, or weather-related materials making harmful contact with the product, area, or materials requiring protection. Solar panels, products, areas, and materials are preferably exposed to their environment unless a threat to their safety and wellbeing is present. This protection mechanism and its functionality may be utilized to protect against potentially harmful impacts or otherwise harmful results associated with debris, limited chemicals, or weather-related materials. The addition of inherent self-securement of the protectant to the strong framing, if available, adds the benefit of stability against harsh winds. For instance, solar panels utilizing this protectant invention have a better chance of staying on their framing during harsh winds, since the protectant is holding the panels against the frame they are secured to.

Inventors

• Joshua Leon McGuire

Assignees

• Joshua Leon McGuire

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20250409

Claims (1)

1. 1 . A system for dynamic protection, said system comprising: 1. A system of a deployable protectant material. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said protectant rolls, folds, or fills resulting in extension or retraction of the protectant. 3. A method of deploying a protectant: a. obtaining a signal to deploy using sensors, automation, and/or human interface. b. providing additional securement of protected device, area, or material. c. limiting the negative effects of a threat to the device, area, or material requiring protection.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to a system and method for dynamic protection from debris, limited chemicals, or weather-related materials. Description of Related Art Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. However, many panels are easily damaged. Consequently, there is a need to better protect the solar panels. As with solar panels, many devices, areas, and materials are preferably exposed to their environment unless a threat to their safety and wellbeing is present. This protection mechanism and its functionality may be utilized to protect against potentially harmful impacts or otherwise harmful results associated with debris, limited chemicals, or weather-related materials. Protection of materials may be solved with a tarp, or the like, but this lacks impact protection. The method of deploying such a protectant is initiated by human interaction, whereas the dynamic protectant will self-identify a threat via sensors or other inputs to automatically deploy as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system with a rolled protectant in one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an unrolled protectant in one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a process flow chart of the mechanical actions, electrical interfacing, and software actions; FIG. 4 is a top view of a plurality of solar panels uncovered, with the protection mechanism retracted and in its magazine; FIG. 5 is a replication of FIG. 4, however, the plurality of solar panels are covered by a deployed protectant; FIG. 6 is a process flow chart of the interactions between power, electronics, software, and mechanical tasks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Solar panels collect solar energy which can be harnessed and converted to electrical energy. Solar panels are often placed in large clusters with sometimes hundreds or thousands of panels in a single location. Unfortunately, hail, strong wind, and other falling debris can damage the solar panels. Since many solar panels are clustered together, a hail storm, as an example, can cause significant damage. Therefore, there is a need to be able to quickly deploy a protection system which can protect the solar panels from damage. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system with a rolled protectant in one embodiment. The solar panels 101 can comprise virtually any type of solar panel known in the art. The solar panel 101 can comprise one large solar panel or a plurality of adjacent solar panels. As noted, solar panels 101 are susceptible to damage or destruction through heavy hail, strong winds, and other objects. Accordingly, as shown the system utilizes a deployable protectant. The protectant 102 can be deployed to offer a layer of protection against hail, other inclement weather, and falling objects. The protectant 102 can comprise virtually any material which shields and protects the underneath solar panels 101. The protectant 102 can comprise a hard and brittle material which will reflect the hail, for example. Or the protectant 102 can comprise a soft and pliable material which absorbs the impact of the hail, for example. Throughout, the term hail will be utilized, but it should be noted that this is for illustrative purposes only. Hail can encompass virtually any type of falling material which can damage the solar panels 101. Throughout, the term solar panels will be utilized, but it should be noted this is for illustrative, yet inclusive, purposes only. Solar panels can encompass any devices, areas, or material requiring protection from a threat. The protectant 102, in one embodiment, can be deployed when needed and retrieved thereafter. Because solar panels 101 need to be exposed to the sun to function, it is not possible to leave the protectant 102 deployed full-time. Rather, the protectant 102 can be deployed when needed and when the solar panels 101 are at risk. Thereafter, the protectant 102 is retracted to allow the solar panels 101 to be exposed to the sun. The protectant 102 can be deployed and retrieved in a variety of ways and mechanisms. The specific mechanism will depend, in part, on the material utilized as the protectant. As shown, the protectant 102 is rolled. In this way, the protectant 102 can be rolled and stored