Solar Cell Interconnector Attachment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching interconnectors in solar cell panels are complex, leading to reduced productivity and lack of stability and reliability in solar cell panel manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for attaching interconnectors to solar cells, utilizing an interconnector supply unit that unwinds and moves the interconnector from a winding roll, and an attachment unit that securely attaches it to the solar cell, improving productivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ribbons are used to connect solar cells, then electrical connection is achieved, but the attachment apparatus and method become complex, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interconnector from the complex ribbon attachment process by using a separate, dedicated interconnector attachment apparatus. This allows the interconnector to be attached independently to the solar cell edges, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining reliable electrical connection between cells
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector serves as an intermediary element between solar cells, providing a simplified connection method. The attachment apparatus uses this intermediary component to achieve reliable electrical connection without the complexity of direct ribbon attachment methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If interconnectors with different structure from ribbons are used, then new connection method is introduced, but no apparatus or method for attaching them has been proposed, leaving manufacturing gap
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector is pre-formed with specific structural features (edge contact design) before attachment. The apparatus is configured to receive and position this pre-formed interconnector onto the solar cell edges, making the manufacturing process straightforward and easy to implement
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector structure is designed to self-align and self-position on the solar cell edges during attachment. The apparatus simply provides the attachment force, while the interconnector's geometry ensures proper positioning, reducing the complexity of the attachment method
3Productivity
If automated system is implemented for attaching interconnectors, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated attachment system is segmented into distinct functional units: an interconnector supply unit that feeds interconnectors and an attachment unit that performs the bonding. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently while working together in an automated sequence, improving productivity without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment apparatus is designed with universal features that can handle different interconnector configurations and solar cell types. The automated system uses a standardized attachment mechanism that can be applied across various production scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for attaching an interconnector of a solar cell panel, includes an interconnector supply unit for unwinding the interconnector wound around a winding roll and moving the interconnector in a processing direction; and an attachment unit for attaching the interconnector to a solar cell, wherein the interconnector supply unit includes the winding roll, around which the interconnector is wound; and an unwinding control member for unwinding the interconnector from the winding roll, and wherein the unwinding control member allows the interconnector to be unwound so as to pass through one end of the winding roll in a longitudinal direction.