Composite Station for Drilling and Fixing Conductive Backsheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current assembly processes for photovoltaic panels with back-contact cells face challenges such as low automation, high manual errors, complex and costly automation systems, difficulty in precise positioning of flexible encapsulating layers, lack of efficient systems for producing conductive backsheets with integrated encapsulating and dielectric layers, and inefficiencies in applying insulating dielectric masks using silkscreen printing.

Innovation Solution

A composite automated operating station that simultaneously performs cyclic processes for drilling and fixing an integrated encapsulating and dielectric layer on conductive backsheets, using a multifunction cylindrical roller for precise positioning and laser drilling, eliminating the need for silkscreen printing and enabling flexible hole configurations, and offering a cost-effective, high-quality solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operations are used in assembly processes, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but error rate increases and quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assembly processVSAvoiderror rate in assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses vision systems and automated feedback mechanisms to guide the assembly process, enabling the machine to self-correct and self-verify positioning accuracy, thereby maintaining simplicity while reducing errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with automated vision-guided positioning systems that use cameras and control algorithms to achieve precise placement of encapsulating layers and conductive materials without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If complex automation systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidcomplexity of automation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions (drilling, heating, pressing, suction) are merged into a single integrated roller unit, reducing the number of separate automation components while maintaining high productivity and precision through coordinated operation of combined functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller is designed as a multi-functional device that performs drilling, heating, pressing, and suction operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate automation systems and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible encapsulating layers are used, then adaptability is improved, but positioning precision becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of encapsulating layerVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of encapsulating layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Holes are pre-drilled in the encapsulating layer before assembly, establishing precise reference positions in advance. This preliminary positioning action allows the flexible material to be accurately placed without compromising its flexibility, as the critical alignment is already established

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive layer with pre-positioned contact points serves as an intermediary reference that guides the positioning of the flexible encapsulating layer. The rigid conductive structure provides stable alignment references that accommodate the flexibility of the encapsulating material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If silkscreen printing is used to apply insulating dielectric masks, then insulation is achieved, but production time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation qualityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating function is extracted from the separate silkscreen printing process and integrated into the encapsulating layer itself. The encapsulating layer is designed to provide both mechanical encapsulation and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for additional dielectric mask application steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulating layer is designed to combine multiple functions: mechanical encapsulation, structural support, and electrical insulation. By merging these functions into a single component, the process time is reduced while maintaining insulation quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient, high-quality production of conductive backsheets with integrated encapsulating and dielectric layers, reducing manual errors, lowering costs, and improving production capacity while providing a flexible and durable insulating solution, thus enhancing the assembly process for photovoltaic panels.

Implementation Method 1

drilling from outside with a laser device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

enable the forced suction from inside of the fumes and of the residues by means of an exhaust fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced suction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

it is heated totally or partially in such a way as to activate the adhesive characteristic of the thermoplastic material contained in the film of the Stack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

it is pressing in such a way as to exert pressure on the Stack (308), in the fixing point (P), against the conductive layer (302) of the backsheet (304)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3072163B8Composite station and method of drilling and fixing for the continuous production of a conductive backsheet with an integrated encapsulating and dielectric layer, for photovoltaic panels of the back-contact type
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 VISMUNDA

AI summary

Composite operating station and method of drilling and fixing (10) for the continuous production of conductive backsheets (300) with an integrated encapsulating and dielectric layer, for photovoltaic panels of the back- contact type. Said composite operating station is automated and integrates a plurality of working processes carried out simultaneously in a cyclic sequence; in particular, it is based on a multifunction cylindrical roller (100) which by rotating lays out the film of integrated encapsulating and dielectric material, (308), heats it and presses it on the conductive layer (302) of the supporting backsheet for the purpose of the fixing in a correct position, said roller being provided with openings (101) to enable drilling from outside with a laser device (120) and also to enable the forced suction from inside of the fumes and of the residues by means of an exhaust fan (130).