Solar Junction Box Cable Positioning for Automated Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar panel testing is time-consuming and costly due to manual connection and irradiation processes, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors in measuring the performance of solar modules.

Innovation Solution

A junction box with a base body, external connection area, and positioning device that allows for precise and automated positioning of cables, enabling automatic electrical contact and testing by a robot, thus eliminating manual connection and allowing for automated irradiation testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual connection and irradiation testing is used for solar panels, then testing can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable contact area is pre-positioned and fixed to the junction box before testing, with precise spatial coordinates defined. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual connection during testing, enabling automated robots to efficiently perform irradiation tests without time-consuming manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a testing device that serves as an intermediary between the solar panel and the testing process. This device automatically establishes electrical contact with the pre-positioned cable contact area, replacing manual connection operations and enabling efficient automated testing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If manual connection is used for cable attachment, then connection can be made, but the process requires manual handling and is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable contact area is designed to be self-positioning and self-fixing on the junction box. The contact area is permanently attached at predefined coordinates, eliminating the need for manual connection operations during testing. This self-service design enables complete automation of the testing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cable and its contact area are pre-assembled and fixed to the junction box before the testing process begins. This preliminary action defines the exact spatial position of the contact area, allowing automated testing devices to easily locate and establish electrical contact without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2232966B2Junction box, system, method, and use
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2232966B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2232966B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2232966B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a junction box for a printed board, especially for a solar module, comprising a base, an external connection zone with at least one cable contacting device which is in contact with a terminal zone of at least one cable, and at least one positioning device that is connected to the base and is provided with at least one retaining zone. Each retaining zone is designed such that a contact zone of the cable can be releasably fixed to the positioning device, the contact zone being located at a distance from the terminal zone. The invention also relates to a system, a method, and a use.