Solar Cell Interconnector with Segmented Curved Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interconnectors for solar cells require a larger space for attachment due to their U-shaped intermediate portion, leading to increased stress between the cells and connection points caused by thermal expansion differences.
Innovation Solution
The interconnector features multiple strip-like intermediate portions, with alternating first and second curved portions in opposite directions, reducing stress without the need for additional space by accommodating thermal expansion differences and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the intermediate portion is curved to have the shape of the letter U in section, then stress generated between the solar cells and connection portions is reduced, but a larger space is necessary to attach the interconnector
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is divided into multiple flat strip-like sections connected by curved portions. This segmentation allows the interconnector to achieve stress reduction through the curved portions while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not require large attachment space, resolving the contradiction between stress reduction and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved portions are positioned at specific locations along the longitudinal direction rather than forming a continuous U-shape in cross-section. This dimensional repositioning allows the interconnector to accommodate thermal expansion differences and reduce stress while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile that minimizes attachment space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the intermediate portion is made flat, then a smaller space is needed for attachment, but stress generated by thermal expansion differences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is segmented into multiple flat strips with curved connections, allowing the curved portions to be strategically placed only where needed for stress relief, rather than requiring a continuous U-shaped cross-section that would consume more space.
Solution Approach 2:
Curved portions are introduced locally at specific positions along the intermediate portion rather than making the entire intermediate portion curved. This localized curvature provides stress relief exactly where thermal expansion differences occur most significantly, while keeping the overall structure compact.
3Stress or pressure
If the interconnector is made more flexible to accommodate thermal expansion, then stress is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is divided into multiple rigid flat strips connected by flexible curved portions. This segmentation creates a structure where the flat strips maintain structural strength and electrical conductivity, while the curved portions provide the necessary flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion differences, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector combines flat strip-like portions with curved portions in a composite structure. The flat portions provide structural integrity and electrical conductivity, while the curved portions provide flexibility for thermal accommodation, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both strength and flexibility requirements.
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
This design reduces stress between the solar cells and connection points, prolongs the interconnector's lifetime, and allows for compact attachment without compromising electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
When the first solar cell, the second solar cell, and the interconnector undergo a change in temperature, their different thermal expansion coefficients create a difference between the amount of deformation of the interconnector which is caused by the temperature change and the amount of deformation of the first solar cell and the second solar cell which is caused by the temperature change
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate portion is warped and deformed to suit the distance between the first solar cell and the second solar cell
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an interconnector capable of reducing stress that is generated between a first electronic device element and a first connection portion and between a second electronic device element and a second connection portion without needing a larger space for attachment. An interconnector (1) for electrically connecting a diode (2) and a solar cell (4) includes: a first connection portion (3) which is connected to an electrode of the diode (2); a second connection portion (5) which is connected to an electrode of the solar cell (4); and a plurality of strip-like intermediate portions (6) which are provided in parallel between the first connection portion (3) and the second connection portion (5) to electrically connect the first connection portion (3) and the second connection portion (5), in which each of the plurality of intermediate portions (6) has a first curved portion (7) which is curved in one width direction and a second curved portion (8) which is curved in another width direction opposite from the one width direction.