Electrode Block Groove Layout for Stable Solar Cell Boats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional boat apparatuses suffer from damage to fixing parts due to shear loads and vibrations during transportation, limited substrate loading area, and potential impact between electrode blocks and plates due to loose fastenings.

Innovation Solution

The boat apparatus features electrode blocks with first grooves and protrusions to reduce shear loads on fixing rods, stabilize electrode plates, and increase substrate loading capacity by minimizing contact area while maintaining secure fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electrode block and electrode plate are fixed in close contact to prevent movement during transportation, then stability is improved, but the fixing part is damaged due to shear load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electrode block and electrode plateVSAvoidstrength of fixing rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface between the electrode block and electrode plate is segmented into a first contact area and a second contact area, which are spatially separated. This segmentation allows the fixing rod to be positioned away from the electrode plate, reducing shear load while maintaining stability through distributed contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact areas are arranged in different spatial dimensions rather than overlapping in the same plane. The first contact area is positioned at a first position while the second contact area is positioned at a second position, creating a three-dimensional distribution that reduces concentrated stress on the fixing rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the entire surface of the electrode block contacts the electrode plate to maximize stability, then stability is improved, but the substrate loading area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electrode block and electrode plateVSAvoidsubstrate loading area on electrode plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface is segmented into specific first and second contact areas rather than using the entire surface. This selective segmentation provides sufficient stability through distributed contact while leaving the remaining electrode plate surface available for substrate loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode block and electrode plate are assigned different functions: specific localized areas serve as contact regions for stability, while the remaining areas serve as substrate loading regions. This local differentiation optimizes both stability and loading capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the fixing bolt and fixing rod are tightly fastened to prevent loosening during vibration, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the fixing structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of fastening between fixing bolt and fixing rodVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the fixing rod provides positional support, the fixing bolt provides fastening, and the distributed contact areas provide stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4648114A1Boat apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4648114A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4648114A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4648114A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a boat apparatus having a first groove in an electrode block in order to prevent component damage and increase production of solar cells. Disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention is a boat apparatus comprising: a plurality of electrode plates spaced apart from each other and having a plurality of substrates stacked therebetween; a plurality of electrode blocks that support electrode plates of the same polarity among the plurality of electrode plates and have first grooves on both sides contacting the electrode plates; and a fixing part fastened through the plurality of electrode plates and the plurality of electrode blocks.