US4170507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for encapsulating a solar cell array
Assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
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Filing: 1977-12-27
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Granted: 1979-10-09
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Expires: 1997-12-27
Abstract
Abstract An enclosure for a solar cell array and a method of fabricating a solar cell module. The array is enclosed between a metal back plate and a cover glass. The edges of the enclosure are sealed by a pliable sealant material and a spring loaded bezel that is riveted or welded in place. The interior of the enclosure is filled with a potting material which surrounds and cushions the solar cell array. During the module fabrication a fixture supports the enclosure parts and provides a temporary edge seal to facilitate the potting procedure. Controlled flexure of the enclosure back plate and controlled spacing of the cover glass ensure a compressive loading of the potting material which eliminates possible delamination of the potting material in its subsequent usage.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael C. Keeling
- 👤 Dwight E. Doss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:34
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; H10F19/85; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A process for encapsulating a solar cell module comprising: placing an array of interconnected solar cells between a back plate adapted to receive said array and a cover glass; positioning said back plate and said cover glass a predetermined distance apart; providing a temporary edge seal between said back plate and said cover glass; filling the enclosure thus formed with a potting material; curing said potting material; removing said temporary edge seal; contacting said back plate and said cover glass; and affixing a permanent seal securing said back plate and said cover glass.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A process for encapsulating a solar cell module comprising: placing an array of interconnected solar cells between a back plate adapted to receive said array and a cover glass; positioning said back plate and said cover glass a predetermined distance apart; providing a temporary edge seal between said back plate and said cover glass; filling the enclosure thus formed with a potting material; curing said potting material; removing said temporary edge seal; contacting said back plate and said cover glass; and affixing a permanent seal securing said back plate and said cover glass.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
A process for encapsulating a solar cell module comprising the steps of: placing an array of interconnected solar cells between a back plate and a cover glass; supporting said back plate on a rigid first fixture portion; holding said cover glass in position with a second fixture portion attachable to said first fixture portion; inserting spacers between said back plate and said cover glass; providing a temporary seal about the edge of said back plate and said cover glass; filling the volume enclosed by said back plate, said cover glass and said temporary seal with a potting material; curing said potting material; removing said temporary seal; removing said spacers and pulling said cover glass into contact with said back plate to compressibly load said potting material; and affixing a permanent seal about the edges of said back plate and said cover glass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
A process for encapsulating a solar cell module comprising the steps of: placing an array of interconnected solar cells between a back plate and a cover glass; supporting said back plate on a rigid first fixture portion; holding said cover glass in position with a second fixture portion attachable to said first fixture portion; inserting spacers between said back plate and said cover glass; providing a temporary seal about the edge of said back plate and said cover glass; filling the volume enclosed by said back plate, said cover glass and said temporary seal with a potting material; curing said potting material; removing said temporary seal; removing said spacers and pulling said cover glass into contact with said back plate to compressibly load said potting material; and affixing a permanent seal about the edges of said back plate and said cover glass.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The process of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: contouring the surface of said first fixture portion; flexing said back plate against said contoured surface as the enclosure is filled with potting material; and supporting said back plate in said flexed condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said temporary seal is provided by pulling compression bars faced with deformable sealing material against the edges of said back plate and said cover glass by compression screws.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said volume is filled with potting material by pouring said potting material through an opening provided in one of said compression bars.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-08 | 1983-04-09 | 1983-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-08 | 1987-04-09 | 1987-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-08 | 1991-04-09 | 1991-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |