Solar Cell String Assembly With Dual-Face Adhesive Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing solar cell strings are inefficient due to the need for solar cells to pass through multiple stations for adhesive application, leading to reduced productivity and increased handling, which complicates the precise application of conductive adhesives on both faces of solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a first module for applying conductive adhesive on both faces of solar cells using independent printing units and a second module for attaching connectors, allowing solar cells to pass through each station only once, enhancing alignment precision and productivity by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solar cells pass through multiple stations for adhesive application on both faces, then adhesive can be applied to both faces, but productivity decreases and handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adhesive application operations for both faces of the solar cell into a single integrated station. The solar cell is positioned at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) allowing two printing units to simultaneously apply adhesive to the first face and second face respectively, eliminating the need for the cell to pass through separate stations and reducing handling steps while maintaining precise adhesive application on both faces
2Manufacturing precision
If solar cells are handled multiple times for adhesive application, then both faces can be treated, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple handling operations into a single positioning event. By angling the solar cell holder at approximately 45 degrees relative to the printing units, the system enables both faces of the cell to be accessed and treated simultaneously in one stationary position, thereby reducing the number of handling cycles from multiple to just one while preserving precise adhesive placement accuracy through the angled configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for connecting solar cells to manufacture solar cell strings having a first module (M1) with a first printing station (S2) configured for applying a conductive adhesive on a face of the solar cells; an actuation station (S3) for printing (S2) configured for flipping the solar cells; a second printing station configured for applying a conductive adhesive by printing on another face of the solar cells; a conveying device (7) to move the solar cells (1) in a circular forward movement direction (A) in the first module (M1); and a conveying module (M3) for conveying the solar cells with the conductive adhesive on both faces from the first module (M1) to a second module (M2) which is configured for attaching a plurality of solar cells to one another by at least one connector.