Solar Cell Testing Apparatus with Movable Chuck and Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell testing apparatuses face difficulties in testing solar cells before packaging, especially for superstrate and substrate type cells, as they require exposed electrodes and wires, making it challenging to identify defects and perform remedial actions.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell testing apparatus featuring a stage, movable chuck, light source, and probes that allow for one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional motion, enabling testing of solar cells with electrodes on either side without the need for packaging, along with a temperature control device and a mask for precise light exposure and temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar cell is packaged and wires are exposed for testing, then the testing can be performed using existing apparatus, but it becomes difficult to test quickly and perform remedial actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable chuck that can move relative to the stage in one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional directions, and probes that can move to contact electrodes on either the front or rear side of the solar cell. This dynamic positioning capability enables rapid testing without requiring solar cell packaging or wire exposure, thus improving testing speed while maintaining testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the testing approach by allowing probes to contact electrodes on both the front side and rear side of the solar cell. This multi-dimensional contact capability enables comprehensive testing of different electrode configurations without requiring additional packaging steps, resolving the contradiction between testing reliability and productivity
2Productivity
If the solar cell is tested before packaging, then quick defect identification is possible, but the existing apparatus cannot accommodate cells with electrodes on different sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing apparatus that can handle both superstrate type solar cells (with electrodes on the rear side) and substrate type solar cells (with electrodes on the front side). The movable chuck and movable probes provide multi-functional capability to accommodate different electrode configurations, enabling quick defect identification across various solar cell types without requiring type-specific apparatus
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probes are fixed in position, then the apparatus structure is simple, but it cannot test solar cells with electrodes on either front or rear side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable components including a chuck that can move relative to the stage and probes that can move to contact electrodes. This dynamic structure, while more complex than a fixed system, enables the apparatus to adapt to different electrode configurations (front side or rear side) and maintains a relatively simple overall design through controlled movement mechanisms
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
Enables quick and simple testing of both superstrate and substrate type solar cells before packaging, allowing for efficient defect identification and improved testing precision while maintaining temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is disposed above the stage and capable of providing testing light to the light incident side of the sample sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell testing apparatus including a stage, a movable chuck, a light source and a plurality of probes is provided. The movable chuck is disposed on the stage and capable of carrying a sample sheet to move. The sample sheet has a light incident side, a rear side opposite to the light incident side, and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the rear side. The light source is disposed above the stage and capable of providing testing light to the light incident side of the sample sheet. The probes are located on the rear side of the sample sheet and capable of contacting the electrodes of the sample sheet. The present invention not only can be used to test a substrate type solar cell, but also can be used to test a superstrate type solar cell.