Magnetic Planar Feed for Flexible Solar Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module production technologies lack flexibility and efficiency in producing solar modules with varying sizes and configurations without requiring complex conversion measures or retooling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a magnetically guided planar drive and sliders that allows for independent multi-coordinate positioning, enabling flexible production of solar modules by feeding and arranging solar elements in various configurations, including a pick-and-place device with suction grippers for precise placement and an electrostatic station for contactless fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feed devices are used for solar module production, then the production process is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different solar module sizes and configurations without complex retooling
Solution Approach 1:
The feed device employs magnetically driven sliders that can be dynamically repositioned along the transport path. The magnetic drive system allows sliders to be moved to different positions and configurations without mechanical retooling, enabling the same device to handle various solar module sizes and element arrangements. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through motion and positioning rather than through complex conversion measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple solar module types and configurations using the same basic structure. The magnetically driven sliders can serve different positions and functions depending on the production requirements, allowing a single device to perform multiple tasks without requiring specialized retooling for each solar module type. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability while maintaining device simplicity.
2Productivity
If fixed-position feed devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but productivity decreases when producing different solar module types
Solution Approach 1:
The feed device replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with a magnetic drive system. Instead of using complex mechanical actuators, gears, and linkages to position feed elements, the invention uses magnetic fields to drive sliders along the transport path. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling flexible positioning and high-speed operation, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetically driven sliders act as intermediaries between the magnetic drive system and the solar elements to be fed. These sliders carry the solar elements and can be precisely positioned by the magnetic field, enabling flexible and accurate feeding of solar elements for different module configurations. The sliders serve as a simple yet effective intermediary that translates magnetic drive capability into precise element positioning, enhancing productivity without requiring complex direct manipulation mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual or simple automated placement is used, then the equipment is simple, but manufacturing precision and placement accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic drive system provides precise control over slider positioning without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. The magnetic field can be precisely controlled to achieve accurate and repeatable positioning of solar elements. This substitution of magnetic control for mechanical positioning achieves high manufacturing precision while keeping the control system relatively simple, as magnetic field control is more straightforward than precise mechanical actuation.
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
Enables the production of solar modules with different sizes and configurations without retooling, improving productivity and reducing reject rates through precise placement and efficient adhesive application, while maintaining high production quality.
Implementation Method 1
the feed device comprises a magnetically guided planar drive with at least two magnetically driven sliders
Implementation Method 2
a pick-and-place device with suction grippers for precise placement
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic station for contactless fixing
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for producing solar modules (2) from electrically interconnected solar elements (3), in particular from electrically interconnected solar shingles (3), with a feed device (4) for feeding the solar elements (3) for equipping with solar modules (2), wherein the supply device (4) includes a magnetically guided planar drive (5) with at least two magnetically driven sliders (6), and each slider (6) has a respective workpiece receptacle (8) on which at least one support area (9) for at least one solar element (3) is formed.