Universal Solar Connector with Movable Connecting Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules face challenges in connecting multiple units due to varying electrode configurations and the need for specific female and male connectors, which complicates the integration of arrays and requires additional manual processing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design for solar cell modules that includes a body and a movably received connecting part, allowing for conversion between female and male forms, eliminating the need for separate connectors and simplifying the connection process by enabling easy alignment and secure attachment without additional processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate female and male connectors are used for positive and negative electrodes, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to matching requirements and manual processing needs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a movable connecting part that can switch between female and male forms, allowing a single connector type to perform multiple functions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate female and male connectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through consistent connector geometry and engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its configuration between female and male forms. This dynamic capability enables the connector to adapt to different connection scenarios without requiring multiple static connector types, thereby reducing complexity while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If separate female and male connectors are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to matching requirements and additional manual processing
Solution Approach 1:
By making the connector universal with a movable connecting part that can be female or male, the system eliminates matching requirements between different connector types. Users no longer need to determine which connector goes where or perform manual processing to create compatible connections, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through consistent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connecting part can be automatically configured or switched between female and male forms based on the connection requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention to determine connector orientation or type. This self-service capability allows users to simply connect components without additional processing steps.
3Ease of operation
If same-electrode connections are made without manual processing, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to alignment and groove positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are pre-configured in the connecting part at predetermined positions and orientations during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the connector is assembled and the connecting part is moved to its operational position, the grooves are already correctly aligned for engagement with the counterpart connector, maintaining high manufacturing precision requirements but enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part with precisely positioned grooves is received within and nested in the connector body, which provides structural support and positioning features. This nested arrangement helps maintain the precise groove positioning while allowing the connecting part to move between female and male forms, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a connector and a solar cell module including the same. The connector includes a body, and a connecting part received in the body. The connecting part is movably provided at an inside of the body and an outside of the body. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cell modules, a cable to connect the solar cell modules to each other, and a connector at an end portion of the cable. The connector includes a body, and a connecting part received in the body. The connecting part is movably provided at an inside of the body and an outside of the body. The solar cell module includes a first solar cell module including a first cable and a first connector, and a second solar cell module including a second cable and a second connector. The first connector includes a first body, a first connecting part received in the first body, a first fixing part, and a first-first groove and a first-second groove provided in the first connecting part. The second connector includes a second body, a second connecting part received in the second body, a second fixing part, and a second-first groove and a second-second groove provided in the second connecting part. The first connecting part is placed at an inside of the first body and an inside of the second body, such that the first connector is connected with the second connector.