Solar Cell Transport Traceability Using Hierarchical Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solar cell manufacturing process faces challenges in accurately tracing and recording process information at the solar cell level, leading to potential losses and confusion during the transport and processing of solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and transport device that code solar cells with unique cell codes based on the loading frame's frame code, associate these codes with process information, and upload them to a computer system for accurate tracking, ensuring accurate tracing and recording of process information throughout the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If solar cells are transported through multiple manufacturing processes without individual coding, then the transport process is simple and fast, but process information is lost and records become confused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into hierarchical segments: loading frame codes, process carrier codes, workbench codes, and position codes. Each level manages specific aspects of solar cell tracking, allowing detailed information recording without requiring a monolithic complex system. This segmentation enables accurate process information tracking while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary coding of loading frames and process carriers before solar cells are placed on them. Cell codes are generated and assigned in advance based on the loading order, ensuring that tracking infrastructure is ready before the actual manufacturing process begins. This preliminary preparation prevents information loss during transport without adding complexity during critical manufacturing operations.
2Reliability
If each solar cell is assigned a unique cell code and process information is recorded, then traceability is improved, but the complexity of the tracking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tracking system where codes and recording mechanisms serve multiple functions: identifying solar cells, tracking their positions, recording process information, and enabling traceability across different manufacturing stages. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single integrated system handles multiple tracking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces process carriers as intermediary elements between loading frames and workbenches. These carriers act as mediators that hold solar cells during transport and contain position code information, facilitating traceability without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components. The intermediary simplifies the tracking architecture while maintaining reliable traceability.
3Manufacturing precision
If process information is recorded for each solar cell during transport, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the time required for coding and data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates and assigns cell codes and position codes in advance, before solar cells enter the manufacturing process. This preliminary coding eliminates the need for time-consuming code assignment during production, allowing precise tracking without delaying manufacturing operations. The upfront preparation ensures manufacturing precision while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates cell codes based on loading order and automatically associates process information with corresponding cells during transport. This self-service approach minimizes manual intervention and data management time, achieving accurate process information recording without significant time investment from operators.
Data Source
AI summary
The tracing method according to the present disclosure includes: coding solar cells disposed in a loading frame according to a frame code of a loading frame, such that each respective solar cell has a respective cell code; obtaining respective process information of the respective solar cell according to a loading order, where the process information includes a code of a process carrier, a code of a workbench and a position code of a solar cell in the process carrier; uploading cell codes and process information of the solar cells to a computer system; and recording and associating, by the computer system, the respective cell code and the respective process information.