Solar Panel Frame Separation Using Progressive Wedge Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for disassembling solar panel frames often apply excessive force, risking breakage of sensitive components like glass and requiring high energy, as they separate the frame from the body using non-progressive methods.

Innovation Solution

A clamping apparatus with a positioning plate and a contact plate, along with a separation assembly that moves progressively from inside to outside the frame, allowing controlled and gradual separation of the frame from the solar panel body, reducing the force required and minimizing the risk of breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a non-progressive separation method is used to separate the frame from the body, then the separation force is high and the separation is achieved, but the risk of breaking sensitive components increases and excessive energy is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation forceVSAvoidrisk of breaking components
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is segmented into multiple progressive stages through the use of wedge-shaped elements that gradually insert between the frame and body. Instead of applying force all at once, the separation force is distributed across multiple incremental actions, reducing peak stress on sensitive components while achieving complete separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation assembly is designed to move dynamically from an initial position to a final position, with the wedge-shaped elements progressively penetrating deeper between the frame and body. This dynamic progression allows the system to adapt the separation force continuously, starting with low force and increasing gradually as the gap widens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a non-progressive separation method is used, then the separation is achieved quickly, but the energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is divided into multiple small incremental steps through progressive wedge insertion. Each step requires minimal energy, and the cumulative effect achieves complete separation. This segmented approach reduces total energy consumption compared to a single high-force action while maintaining acceptable overall separation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge-shaped separation elements act as intermediaries between the separation assembly and the frame-body interface. These wedges progressively force air or debris out from between the frame and body, facilitating gradual separation with reduced energy requirements compared to direct force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If excessive force is applied to separate the frame from the body, then the separation is achieved, but the risk of breaking sensitive components like glass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation forceVSAvoidbreakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge-shaped separation elements are designed to gradually cushion the separation process by progressively inserting between the frame and body. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents sudden force spikes that could break sensitive components, as the wedges absorb and distribute separation forces throughout the progressive insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic progression of the separation assembly allows real-time adaptation of separation force. As the wedges penetrate deeper and the gap between frame and body increases, the system can adjust the rate and magnitude of force application, preventing excessive force that would cause breakage while ensuring complete separation is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4527514A1Solar panel frame disassembling apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 MONDRAGON ASSEMBLY SCOOP
  • EP4527514A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4527514A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4527514A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus that is configured to separate the frame (202) of a solar panel (200) from the body (201) of said solar panel (200). The apparatus (100) comprises a positioning plate (1) and a contact plate (2) configured to clamp the body (201) of a solar panel (200) arranged between said plates (1, 2); and a separation assembly (3) facing a side of the frame (202) of a solar panel (200) when the body (201) of said solar panel (200) is clamped between said plates (1, 2), and movable between a first position inside the frame (202) and a second position outside said frame (202), such that the separation assembly (3) progressively pushes on said side of the frame (202) during said displacement.