Connector and electronic circuit assembly for improved wet insulation resistance
AssigneeDow Global Technologies LLC
InventorsJason A. Reese, Samar R. Teli, James R. Keenihan, Joseph A. Langmaid, Kevin D. Maak, Michael E. Mills, Timothy C. Plum, Narayan Ramesh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is premised upon a connector and electronic circuit assembly (130) at least partially encased in a polymeric frame (200). The assembly including at least: a connector housing (230); at least one electrical connector (330); at least one electronic circuit component (430); and at least one barrier element (530).
Claims13
A connector and electronic circuit assembly at least partially encased in a polymeric frame, comprising:
- a connector assembly comprising:
- a connector housing;
- at least one electrical connector protruding from the housing;
- an electronic circuit component comprising:
- at least one bus bar;
- and
- a connection zone where the at least one electrical connector and the at least one bus bar are joined;
- wherein the connection zone, the connector housing, or both including at least one elastomeric barrier element.
The connector and electronic circuit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastomeric barrier element includes at least one rib structure projecting away from a traverse length of the connector housing.
The connector and electronic circuit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastomeric barrier element maintains an adhesive joint between the connection zone, the connector housing, or both and the polymeric frame between −40° C. and 85° C.
The connector and electronic circuit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastomeric barrier element comprises a polyisobutylene tape.
The connector and electronic circuit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastomeric barrier element selected from the group consisting of silicone, polychloroprene, butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer, EPDM rubber, polyurethane, and polyisobutylene.
A method of positioning electrical connectors and seals relative to each other (to prevent water ingress to electrics and/or discontinuity) between at least two photovoltaic devices as assembled to a structure with a connector in-between, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a first photovoltaic device, the device including at least one locating feature;
- b. providing a second photovoltaic device, the device including at least one locating feature;
- c. installing the first device to the structure;
- d. connecting the first and second device together via the connector;
- e. providing a removable secondary device, the secondary device id at least two mating features;
- f. aligning at least one mating feature to at least one locating feature;
- g. adjusting the location of the second device so that the second of two crating features are aligned with the second locating feature;
- and
- h. installing the second device to the structure.
A photovoltaic device comprising:
- a polymeric frame;
- and
- a multi-layered multi-layer laminate structure that includes a connect r and electronic circuit assembly;
- wherein the connector and electronic circuit assembly is at east partially encased in a polymeric frame and comprises:
- a connector assembly comprising:
- a connector housing;
- at least one electrical connector protruding from the housing;
- an electronic circuit component comprising:
- at least one bus bar;
- and
- a connection zone where the at least one electrical connector and the at least one bus bar are joined;
- wherein the connection zone, the connector hot sin, or both including at least one elastomeric barrier element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.