Window-Integrated Solar Module Wiring Hidden in Ceiling Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing multilayer glass window solutions for solar power generation in windows expose the collection wires, making them visible indoors and compromising the aesthetic and safety of the indoor space.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module is integrated into the window with a translucent substrate configuration and an extraction wire that is routed between the vertical wall and the window, hidden by a cover member, ensuring minimal visibility and enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the solar cell module is installed in the window to enable solar power generation, then solar power generation capability is improved, but the extraction wire becomes exposed and visible from the indoor side, deteriorating the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolar power generation capabilityVSAvoidappearance of indoor space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ceiling structure with a vertical wall part as an intermediary element to hide the extraction wire. The wire is routed between the vertical wall part and the window, using the ceiling structure as a mediator to conceal the wire from indoor views while maintaining electrical connectivity for solar power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by routing the extraction wire upward between the window and the ceiling's vertical wall part. This dimensional approach allows the wire to be positioned in a three-dimensional space that is not visible from the horizontal indoor perspective, effectively hiding it while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the extraction wire is exposed for solar cell module operation, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but the wire is visible from indoor side creating aesthetic and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidaesthetic deterioration and safety concern
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling's vertical wall part serves as an intermediary structure that provides a concealed pathway for the extraction wire. This mediator allows the wire to maintain its electrical function while being hidden from indoor views, eliminating both aesthetic deterioration and safety concerns associated with exposed wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction wire is nested within the spatial relationship between the window and the ceiling's vertical wall part. This nesting approach places the wire within an existing structural cavity, concealing it while maintaining its electrical connectivity function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution effectively hides the extraction wire, improving the indoor appearance and safety while maintaining heat insulation and enabling efficient solar power generation.

Implementation Method 1

there is an increasing demand for solar power generation using an outer wall and a window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

both heat insulation of a window and solar power generation can be simultaneously realized by providing a gap inside an existing window glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3910148B1Indoor structure
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 KANEKA CORP
  • EP3910148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3910148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an indoor structure in which a wire to a solar cell module is hardly visible and design is improved. In an indoor structure, a solar cell module is attached to a window disposed between a ceiling and a floor. The ceiling has a first ceiling part, and a second ceiling part continuous with the first ceiling part via a vertical wall part on a lower side than the first ceiling part, the window has a window glass including a window main surface, the solar cell module has a main body panel and an extraction wire, the main body panel is obtained by arranging solar cells between two translucent substrates, and is capable of transmitting light in a thickness direction, the main body panel includes a panel main surface, and the panel main surface faces the window main surface of the window, the extraction wire extends inside and outside the main body panel, and includes a first end part, the first end part of the extraction wire is electrically connected to the solar cells within the main body panel, the extraction wire has a wire part exposed from the main body panel, and the wire part is laid between the vertical wall and the window.