Tape Dispenser Torque Control for Photovoltaic Module Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape dispensers for photovoltaic modules suffer from poor control over the dispensing process, leading to misalignment, jamming, and improper placement of tape, which can result in electrical shorting and other manufacturing complications.

Innovation Solution

A tape dispenser system with a supply spindle, rewind spindle, and motorized rollers, equipped with tension sensors and torque controllers to maintain precise tension and alignment, along with a gripper system to manage the tape and backing layer, ensuring consistent and accurate tape application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing tape dispensers are used, then the dispensing process is simple, but the control over tape placement and backing layer collection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetape placement precisionVSAvoiddispenser structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into separate functional modules: a supply spindle assembly for tape delivery, a take-up spindle assembly for backing layer collection, and a dispenser head for application. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall precision without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect tape position, tension, and alignment in real-time, providing feedback to control systems. This enables closed-loop control of the dispensing process, ensuring precise tape placement and proper backing layer collection while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If existing tape dispensers are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the control over tape tension and alignment is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess control reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser system automatically adjusts tape tension and alignment through integrated motors and control systems that respond to sensor feedback. The system self-regulates without requiring constant manual intervention, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with motorized actuators and electronic control systems. This substitution provides more reliable and precise control over tape tension and alignment while simplifying operation through automated adjustment rather than manual manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If tape is dispensed without proper tension control, then the dispensing process is fast, but misalignment and jamming occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidtape alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser employs dynamic tension control where motor speeds and torques are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback from tension sensors and position detectors. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal tension throughout the dispensing process, enabling high speed operation without sacrificing alignment accuracy or causing jamming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves precise tape placement, reduces jamming, and enhances manufacturing efficiency by maintaining optimal tension and alignment, thereby improving the quality and reliability of photovoltaic module assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a motor connected to the rewind spindle and configured to apply tension to a tape liner positioned on the tape liner path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

a tension sensor configured to detect a tension on a tape liner and to adjust the torque output of the motor based on the tension on a tape liner detected by the tension sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension detection: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS8997816B2Tape dispenser
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA
  • US8997816B2 patent drawing
  • US8997816B2 patent drawing
  • US8997816B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A tape dispenser includes a torque controller and a take-up cassette.