Mobile Solar Module Dismantling System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solar cell module dismantling methods are labor-intensive, environmentally harmful due to chemical decomposition, and economically inefficient, with high transportation costs and contamination of materials, posing challenges for recycling and environmental protection.

Innovation Solution

A mobile dismantling system comprising an automatic frame dismantling apparatus, fragmenting apparatus, and conveying apparatus that physically dismantles solar cell modules without chemical processes, using robots and fragmenting devices to collect and sort recycled materials efficiently, reducing manual labor and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If thermal decomposition is used to dismantle solar cell modules, then the cover plate, solar cell panel, and back plate are separated, but the materials become contaminated and economic benefits are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedismantling efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dismantling process is divided into distinct stages: frame removal, back plate separation, and cell encapsulation laminate removal. Each stage uses specialized equipment to handle specific components, preventing cross-contamination and enabling separate recycling streams for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal decomposition (chemical process) with mechanical dismantling equipment including frame removal robots, back plate breaking devices, and cell encapsulation laminate removal apparatus. This mechanical approach preserves material purity while achieving complete separation of components.

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

2Productivity

If thermal decomposition is used to separate components, then materials are separated, but hydrofluorocarbons are produced polluting the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent separationVSAvoidhydrofluorocarbon emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates thermal decomposition entirely by using mechanical systems for component separation. The frame removal robot, back plate breaking device, and laminate removal apparatus all operate mechanically, producing no harmful emissions while achieving complete component separation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the challenge of separating materials bound by adhesive layers into a benefit by using mechanical forces to cleanly separate components without chemical reactions. The frame removal and back plate breaking processes transform the bonding strength that previously required thermal decomposition into a manageable mechanical separation task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If thermal decomposition is used for dismantling, then components are separated, but energy consumption is high and not economical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedismantling capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal decomposition with mechanical dismantling equipment that consumes significantly less energy. The frame removal robot uses controlled mechanical forces, the back plate breaking device uses targeted impact forces, and the laminate removal apparatus uses mechanical peeling actions, all of which are far more energy-efficient than heating the entire module to decomposition temperatures.

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

4Device complexity

If manual transportation and dismantling are used, then the process is simple, but labor time and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidlabor time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dismantling system is designed to be self-sufficient, with automated equipment performing all dismantling operations without human intervention. The mobile platform autonomously positions itself, the robot removes frames, the breaking device separates back plates, and the laminate removal apparatus extracts solar cells, creating a self-service system that eliminates manual labor while maintaining process simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic, mobile dismantling equipment rather than fixed installations. The mobile platform can move to different module locations, the robot can adjust its positioning and gripping forces, and the breaking device can adapt its impact points, enabling flexible automated operation that reduces labor time while keeping the system relatively simple and adaptable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Productivity

If used solar cell modules are transported for recycling, then centralization is achieved, but transportation costs are high due to low value-to-weight ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling centralizationVSAvoidtransportation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transporting heavy solar modules to centralized recycling facilities, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the recycling equipment to the modules. The mobile dismantling platform travels to where modules are located (such as installation sites or storage areas) and performs on-site dismantling, eliminating transportation costs while maintaining centralized recycling capabilities through the mobile platform's structured process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20240009972A1Mobile dismantling system for dismantling solar cell module
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 TSGC TECH INC
  • US20240009972A1 patent drawing
  • US20240009972A1 patent drawing
  • US20240009972A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile dismantling system includes an automatic frame dismantling apparatus, a fragmenting apparatus, and a conveying apparatus, all of which are disposed on a mobile apparatus, such as a wheeled transport vehicle. The automatic frame dismantling apparatus includes a dismantling platform and frame dismantling members. The fragmenting apparatus includes a back plate fragmenting device and a cell encapsulation laminate fragmenting device, each of which has a fragmenting platform, a fragmenting unit, and a material collecting and sorting device. The conveying apparatus is disposed above the automatic frame dismantling apparatus and the fragmenting apparatus, and includes a robot for moving solar cell module.