Solar cell module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solar cell modules lack sufficient weather-resistance, leading to potential deterioration from water accumulation and adhesive member extrusion.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module design featuring a frame with inclined end surfaces and strategically placed through holes and hollow portions to drain water effectively, reducing the risk of water entering the module and improving durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a frame with groove and butyl rubber is used to seal the module main body, then basic weather protection is provided, but water accumulation and adhesive member extrusion still occur leading to insufficient weather-resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather-resistanceVSAvoidwater accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple sections with through holes at specific positions, segmenting the continuous frame structure. This segmentation allows water to be drained at multiple points along the frame rather than accumulating in a single location, while still maintaining overall sealing effectiveness through the distributed configuration of drainage and sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the frame are given different properties: some areas have through holes for drainage, others have adhesive members for bonding, and specific regions have inclined surfaces for water redirection. The groove depth and sealing element placement are also varied locally to optimize water drainage and sealing performance at each specific location based on water flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the frame completely surrounds the module main body for structural support and sealing, then mechanical strength is improved, but water can still enter through inadequate drainage paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structural supportVSAvoidwater entry
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Through holes are created by removing material from the frame at specific locations, extracting drainage pathways from the otherwise continuous frame structure. This allows water to be actively removed from the system at multiple points, preventing accumulation while the remaining frame material maintains structural support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame design incorporates three-dimensional features including inclined surfaces that redirect water along the frame exterior, and through holes that create vertical drainage paths. These dimensional additions to the otherwise planar frame structure enable active water management in multiple directions, preventing water entry while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If adhesive members are applied extensively to bond the frame to the module main body, then bonding strength is improved, but adhesive member extrusion occurs under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidadhesive member extrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive member application is segmented into specific regions rather than continuous coverage. Adhesive members are placed at discrete locations where bonding is most critical, such as corners and key structural interfaces, reducing overall adhesive volume and preventing extrusion while maintaining sufficient bonding strength through strategic placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying adhesive members uniformly across the entire frame perimeter, adhesive is applied partially at critical bonding locations. This partial action provides sufficient bonding strength where needed while avoiding excessive adhesive application that would lead to extrusion under pressure, optimizing the balance between bonding strength and extrusion prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2811535B1Solar cell module
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2811535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2811535B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2811535B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a solar cell module having improved weatherability. A frame body (20) has a groove (20a). A module main body (10) is inserted into the groove (20a). An adhesive member (31) is disposed in the groove (20a) . The adhesive member (31) is provided at least on a part of a frame body (20) portion excluding frame body corner portions. Through holes (20Cl) communicating with the groove (20a) are provided at the corner portions of the frame body (20).