Solar Panel Frame Assembly for Moisture-Resistant Edge Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar cell panels face reduced durability due to moisture penetration, especially under severe conditions like ultraviolet rays, snowstorms, and acid rain, which shortens the lifespan of the solar cell module.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell panel design featuring a support member with an upper and lower part and a connection part, coupled with a frame that includes an upper and lower coupling unit, utilizing sealants made of silicon or elastic materials to prevent moisture ingress, and an inclined surface to minimize shadow effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional solar cell module structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but moisture penetrates inside the module reducing durability and lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple parts: an upper support part, a lower support part, and a connection part. Each part has specific functions - the upper support part supports the upper edge, the lower support part supports the lower edge with extended moisture sealing, and the connection part connects them. This segmentation allows targeted moisture prevention at critical areas without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower support part is designed to extend farther toward the middle portion of the solar cell module than the upper support part. This preliminary extension creates an advanced moisture barrier position before moisture can penetrate deep into the module. The sealant applied to the extended portion proactively prevents moisture ingress at the most vulnerable point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the support member extends farther toward the center to prevent moisture, then moisture resistance improves, but shadow effects increase reducing light incidence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidlight incidence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member has non-uniform extension: the lower support part extends farther toward the center than the upper support part. This local differentiation optimizes moisture sealing at the lower edge where penetration is most severe, while minimizing shadow effects on the upper portion where light incidence is more critical. The connection part bridges these different extension lengths smoothly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support member employs asymmetric design where the lower support part has greater extension toward the module center compared to the upper support part. This asymmetry is strategically applied to match the asymmetric moisture penetration risk - typically higher at the lower edge due to gravity-driven water flow and condensation patterns - while maintaining optimal light exposure for the upper solar cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If sealants are applied to prevent moisture penetration, then durability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture proofingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member integrates multiple functions into a single component: structural support (upper and lower support parts), moisture sealing (extended lower part with sealant application), and electrical isolation. By combining these functions into one integrated part rather than separate components, the design reduces the number of assembly steps and materials needed while achieving comprehensive moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection part serves as an intermediary element that joins the upper and lower support parts. It provides a built-in interface for sealant application, acting as a mediator between the structural support function and the moisture sealing function. This intermediary design simplifies manufacturing by providing a predetermined sealing surface rather than requiring separate sealing operations between multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The design enhances durability by reducing moisture penetration and maintaining performance under harsh conditions, while the sealants and frame configuration ensure effective moisture resistance and optimal light incidence.

Implementation Method 1

a support member (20) attached to an edge of the solar cell module (10) to support the solar cell module (10) by elasticity of the support member (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

If light is incident on the solar cell, electrons inside the semiconductor become free electrons (hereinafter referred to as 'electrons') by the photoelectric effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2356694B1Solar cell panel
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2356694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2356694B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A solar cell panel is discussed. The solar cell panel includes a solar cell module, a support member attached to an edge of the solar cell module to support the solar cell module by elasticity of the support member, and a frame including a female type coupling unit including an upper coupling unit, a lower coupling unit, and a connection coupling unit connecting the upper coupling unit to the lower coupling unit. The support member includes an upper part, a lower part, and a connection part connecting the upper part to the lower part. An end of the lower part protrudes further than an end of the upper part toward a middle of the solar cell module. The frame supports the solar cell module by coupling the support member to the female type coupling unit.