Solar Cell Wire Bending for Faster Series Tabbing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell tabbing processes face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple solar cells in series to form a module, as the maximum voltage generated by a single unit cell is low, requiring improved methods for wire connection.

Innovation Solution

A bending device and tabbing apparatus that includes a stage and a bending unit to process wires for connecting solar cells in series, featuring a bending member with grooves and rods to guide and bend the wires, and a transfer device to seat and bond the wires to the cells, enhancing the efficiency of the tabbing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple solar cells are connected in series to increase voltage, then the power generation capability is improved, but the process complexity and time for wire connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bending unit integrates multiple bending rods (first bending rod, second bending rod) and grooves into a single coordinated structure that processes multiple wires simultaneously. The bending rods work together with the grooves to guide and bend wires in a unified operation, reducing the need for separate processing steps for each wire connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire processing is divided into distinct functional zones: the first bending rod handles initial bending, the second bending rod performs additional bending, and the grooves provide guidance. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific aspect of wire processing, improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If multiple solar cells are connected in series to increase voltage, then the power generation capability is improved, but the tabbing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidtabbing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves are pre-formed in the bending rods at specific positions and angles to guide the wires along the desired path before bonding. This preliminary guidance structure is built into the device, eliminating the need for manual positioning and adjustment during the tabbing process, thus reducing process time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bending rods and grooves work in a continuous coordinated manner to process multiple wires in sequence without interruption. The first bending rod, second bending rod, and grooves operate together in a continuous flow, maintaining productive action throughout the wire processing without idle transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If complex wire bending and positioning structures are used to improve connection stability, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the equipment size and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bending rods are designed with curved surfaces that match the desired wire bending path. The curvature of the rods naturally guides the wires into the correct position and shape, providing stable bonding geometry without requiring complex mechanical constraints or multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves act as intermediaries between the bending rods and the wires. They provide a guiding interface that translates the bending rod's shape into precise wire positioning, ensuring reliable bonding while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4626184A1Bending device and tabbing apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4626184A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4626184A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4626184A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a bending device and a tabbing apparatus including the same, and the bending device includes a stage on which a solar cell having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other in a first direction is seated, and a bending unit spaced apart from the stage and configured to press a wire disposed on the first surface in the first direction.