Multi-Cavity Laminating Line for Continuous Solar Module Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer single-cavity laminators in the solar cell module industry lead to reduced production efficiency due to sequential processing, where each solar cell module must wait for the previous one to complete lamination before being fed into the multi-layer feeding device.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer and multi-cavity laminator is designed with multiple laminating devices connected in sequence, a transitional conveyance device with conveyor rollers, and lifting conveyance devices for automatic loading/unloading, allowing progressive lamination and continuous transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a multi-layer single-cavity laminator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laminating system is divided into multiple independent laminating devices (first, second, third laminating devices) that can process solar cell modules simultaneously or in overlapping sequences. Each laminating device operates as an independent processing station, allowing parallel processing of multiple modules and eliminating the sequential waiting time inherent in single-cavity systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple laminating devices are arranged in a nested or cascaded configuration where the output of one device feeds into the input of the next, creating a continuous flow system. The transitional conveyance device nests the transfer function between laminating devices, allowing modules to move through the system without stopping while maintaining compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If multiple laminating devices are used in sequence, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction volumeVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple laminating devices and their associated conveyance systems are merged into a single integrated laminating line. The feeding device, multiple laminating devices, transitional conveyance devices, and finished product conveyance device operate as a coordinated system, sharing common control and structural support elements to reduce overall complexity despite the increased number of processing stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transitional conveyance device serves multiple functions: it transports modules between laminating devices, provides buffering capacity, and enables synchronization between different processing speeds. The lifting conveyance device similarly performs multiple roles including loading, positioning, and interfacing with different device levels, reducing the need for dedicated specialized components at each interface.

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

3Loss of time

If sequential processing is used in single-cavity laminators, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases due to waiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaiting timeVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-cavity laminating system establishes continuous useful action by ensuring that while one laminating device is processing a module, another device is simultaneously processing a different module. The transitional conveyance device maintains continuous material flow without interruptions or idle waiting periods, keeping all processing stations actively engaged throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Modules are prepared and positioned in advance by the feeding device and lifting conveyance device before reaching each laminating station. The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment operations upstream, so that modules are ready for immediate processing when they arrive at each laminating device, eliminating setup and preparation delays during the lamination process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240424779A1Multi-layer and multi-cavity laminating machine
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 QINHUANGDAO SHENGCHENG AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT CO LTD
  • US20240424779A1 patent drawing
  • US20240424779A1 patent drawing
  • US20240424779A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-layer and multi-cavity laminating machine including a multi-layer feeding device, at least two multi-layer laminating devices, and a multi-layer finished product conveying device connected in sequence is provided. The number of multi-layer laminating devices are increased, and the laminating steps are carried out step by step. After completing the first laminating step, the solar cell module can be transported to the next multi-layer laminating device, so that the next solar cell module can be transported to the previous multi-layer laminating device, thereby improving production efficiency. In the same production time, it is possible to increase the production quantity or reduce the production time by producing the same quantity of products.