Solar Cell Ribbon With Segmented Insulating And Solder Layers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell panel ribbons do not adequately improve the properties of solar cell panels, such as electrical connectivity and aesthetic appearance, due to limitations in their structural design and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A ribbon for solar cell panels is designed with an insulating layer on one side and a solder layer on the opposite side, which is formed by immersing the ribbon body in solder material, enhancing electrical connections and hiding the ribbon from view to improve aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional ribbon structure is used for connecting solar cells, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrical connectivity and aesthetic appearance of the solar cell panel are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidribbon structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ribbon is divided into distinct functional zones: an insulating layer covering portion of the longitudinal surface and a solder layer covering the remaining portion. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the insulating layer prevents unwanted electrical connections while the solder layer ensures reliable electrical connectivity, thereby improving overall reliability without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribbon employs a composite structure combining insulating material and solder material in a single integrated component. The insulating layer and solder layer are formed on different portions of the ribbon body, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides electrical insulation where needed and electrical conductivity where required, improving electrical connectivity while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the ribbon is fully exposed on the solar cell panel surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the aesthetic appearance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is applied selectively to specific portions of the ribbon's longitudinal surface - specifically covering portions that would be visible on the front surface of the solar cell panel. This local application of insulating material provides aesthetic improvement by concealing the metallic ribbon appearance in visible areas, while the solder layer remains available on other portions to ensure proper electrical connections during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the insulating layer is applied to the entire ribbon surface, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but electrical connectivity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidelectrical connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ribbon surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insulating layer covering portion of the longitudinal surface and a solder layer covering the remaining portion. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the insulating layer prevents unwanted electrical connections while the solder layer ensures reliable electrical connectivity, thereby improving overall reliability without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer is applied selectively to specific portions of the ribbon's longitudinal surface, specifically covering portions that would be visible on the front surface of the solar cell panel. This local application provides aesthetic improvement while the solder layer remains available on other portions to ensure proper electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution improves the electrical connectivity and appearance of solar cell panels by ensuring reliable soldering and concealing the ribbons, thereby enhancing the panel's efficiency and visual appeal.

Implementation Method 1

forming a solder layer throughout a remaining portion excluding the insulating layer over the longitudinal surface of the ribbon body, the solder layer being disposed throughout at least a back surface opposite to the front surface by immersing the ribbon body, having the insulating layer formed thereon, in a solder material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP3128560B1Ribbon for solar cell panel, method of manufacturing the same, and solar cell panel
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3128560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3128560B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3128560B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a ribbon (142, 145) for a solar cell panel including a ribbon body (1420, 1450), an insulating layer (1422, 1452) disposed on at least one side over a longitudinal surface of at least the ribbon body, and a solder layer (1424, 1454) disposed throughout a portion excluding the insulating layer over the longitudinal surface of the ribbon body, the solder layer being disposed throughout at least a remaining side opposite to the one side.