Solar Panel Module Imaging and Weighing for Recycling Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for recycling solar panel modules face challenges in accurately and efficiently obtaining product information, dimension data, and junction box position information due to the vast number of specifications, making it difficult to handle the diverse range of solar panel modules effectively.

Innovation Solution

An analyzing system comprising a housing, carrying unit, weighing module, image recognition unit, and measuring unit is employed to identify and measure solar panel modules, utilizing a carrying module to align and transport the panel, a capturing module to capture images, and an image analyzing module to process these images for dimension and product information, along with a measuring module to obtain structural data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional recycling methods are used for solar panel modules, then the recycling process can be performed, but it is difficult to accurately and efficiently obtain product information, dimension information, structure data, and junction box position information due to the large number of specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of obtaining product informationVSAvoidcomplexity of information acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection and measurement methods with an automated image recognition system. The system uses image capturing devices to photograph solar panel modules and employs image recognition algorithms to automatically extract product information, dimension data, structure information, and junction box positions, eliminating the need for manual data collection across 17,000+ specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel module itself provides the information needed through its visual characteristics. The image recognition system captures images of the module's surface, labels, and structural features, allowing the module to 'self-report' its specifications through visual data that the system automatically processes and converts into structured information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If conventional recycling methods are used for solar panel modules, then the recycling process can be performed, but the process is inefficient due to the difficulty of obtaining accurate product information for different specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of recycling processVSAvoidtime to obtain product information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs image capture and information extraction before the recycling process begins. By pre-acquiring and storing product information, dimension data, and structural characteristics through image recognition, the system prepares all necessary data in advance, eliminating time-consuming information gathering during the actual recycling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual information acquisition with automated image recognition technology. The system rapidly captures images and processes them through algorithms to extract all necessary specifications instantaneously, dramatically reducing the time required to prepare recycling parameters compared to conventional manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional recycling methods are used for solar panel modules, then the recycling process can be performed, but it is hard to obtain junction box position information accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of junction box positionVSAvoiddifficulty of locating junction box

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual location and measurement of the junction box with automated image recognition. The system captures images of the solar panel module and uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify, locate, and measure the junction box position and dimensions, providing precise coordinates and structural data without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12597156B2Analyzing system for identifying and measuring solar panel module

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TAINAN

AI summary

An analyzing system for identifying and measuring a solar panel module is provided. The solar panel module includes a product label that is attached thereon. The analyzing system includes a housing, a carrying unit, and an image recognition unit. The carrying unit is mounted on the housing and is configured to carry the solar panel module and to measure a weight of the solar panel module that is carried by the carrying unit. The image recognition unit is mounted on the housing and is configured to move relative to the carrying unit and, while moving relative to the carrying unit that is carrying the solar panel module, to capture an image of the solar panel module. The image recognition unit is configured to process the image thus captured to obtain dimension data and product information of the solar panel module, where the product information is related to the product label.