DETAILED ACTION
Response to Amendment
The amendment of October 16, 2025 is considered herein.
Claims 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 13 have been amended.
Claims 15-18 have been added.
Claims 1-18 are pending and have been considered on the merits herein.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 9-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claims 9, 11, 12 and 14 refer to “The vehicle of claim 1”, but the vehicle is introduced in claim 8, so these claims should depend from claim 8, not claim 1.
Claims 10 and 13 are rejected as being dependent on rejected claims 9 and 12.
For the purpose of this rejection, the claims are interpreted to depend from independent claim 8 not claim 1 and are rejected as such herein.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claim(s) 1, 2, and 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al (TW201543707A, wherein the machine English translation is cited herein), in view of DUPUIS et al (WO2022/063624A1, wherein US PG PUB 2023/0361717A1 is cited as an English equivalent herein).
Regarding claims 1 and 2, HUANG et al teaches a solar module (figure 7) comprising:
a solar panel (components 1-6/111/121/103/130) including at least one solar cell (10a/10b);
a frame (160); and
a damper (“waterproof rubber material” coating on 130, last sentence of the 1st full paragraph of page 5) disposed between the solar panel (1-6/111/121/103) and the frame (160) (disposal orientation see figure 7), said damper (backside coating of 130) forming at least a portion of one or more junction boxes (150) (wherein figure 7 shows the junction box to be disposed on and against the back side of layer 130, forming an edge of the junction box), said junction box(es) (150) housing terminations (112a/122b and the associated polarity components shown as + and – in the box 150) of said solar panel (from 111a/121b).
The rubber coating of said damper (coating on 130), while disclosed to be rubber, teaches the use of thermoplastic material as said layer (final sentence of the 1st full paragraph of page 5, which will not function to absorb mechanical force. This same citation does teach the coating to protect “from mechanical force” but is silent to the layer being adapted to dampen, or otherwise absorb energy from, a force.
DUPUIS et al teaches a solar cell comprising a junction box (paragraph [0068]), just as in HUANG et al. Moreover, DUPUIS et al teaches the use of an anti-vibrational device (paragraph [0010]) present relative to the module which can dampen or protect the device from the impact of vibration (paragraph [0004]). Of note, vibration is interpreted to read on mechanical force. The use of a visco-elastic material allows for dampening the vibration (paragraph [0016]).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the anti-vibration layer of DUPUIS et al, as the protective coating of HUANG et al to mitigate and protect the device from mechanical impact. By utilizing the damper/anti-vibration layer of DUPUIS et al for the damper/mechanical stress protective layer of HUANG et al, the same beneficial protection is realized with the benefit of force absorption. Moreover, the anti-vibration layer is made of viscoelastic materials (paragraph [0016], DUPUIS et al), just as in the instant application’s claim 2. The use of the same material is interpreted to provide the same functionality. Moreover, the fulfillment of the claimed functionality is interpreted to be inherent to the material of use as the characteristics of materials are inseparable from the materials themselves. Therefore, when the structure recited in the reference is substantially identical to that of the claims, claimed properties or functions are presumed to be inherent. The Courts have held that it is well settled that where there is a reason to believe that a functional characteristic would be inherent in the prior art, the burden of proof then shifts to the applicant to provide objective evidence to the contrary. See In re Schreiber, 128 F.3d at 1478, 44 USPQ2d at 1478, 44 USPQ2d at 1432 (Fed. Cir. 1997) (see MPEP § 2112.01, I.). In addition, the use of the anti-vibration layer to damped the impact of the wind (paragraph [0017] also fulfills the claim, providing a layer capable of dampen or otherwise absorb energy from an impact force. For at least these reasons, the instant structure of modified DUPUIS et al teaches this final limitation.
Regarding claim 4, DUPUIS et al teaches damper constrains flexing of said solar cells below the damage threshold of said solar cells (Paragraph [0053] teaches the presence of vibration on the module. The damper imparts a stiffness as detailed in paragraph [0055]. It is the position of the examiner the damper is capable of and does provide constraint of flexing based on the vibrational impact which is below the damage threshold, fulfilling the claim as written. Moreover, the use of the same materials (viscoelastic, instant claim 2, paragraph [0016] of DUPUIS et al) in the same use or situation of DUPUIS et al as in the instant will provide the same functionality inherent to the structure and material as these properties are of the material.).
Claim(s) 3, 5, and 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al and LI (US PG PUB 2011/0114149).
Regarding claim 3, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-wire solder joints.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in modified HUANG et al. LI further teaches a wire (241/242, interpreted to read on a termination) from the solar panel (210) soldered to an output cable (wire, interpreted to read on a termination cable) (271/272) via soldering joint (251/252), as detailed in paragraph [0023], forming wire-to-wire solder joints of the solar cell terminations. Moreover, junction box (230) is mechanically coupled to the wire-to-wire solder joint (241/242/251/252/271/272) via the opening in the junction box (228). Paragraph [0009] teaches the use of the junction box orientation to protect the electrical connections therein.
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to mechanically and electrically couple the junction box to the electrical connections of modified HUANG et al, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints.
Regarding claim 5, while HUANG et al teaches the use of a junction box, modified HUANG et al is silent to the module comprising a rigid insert forming at least another portion of said one or more junction boxes.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in HUANG et al. LI further teaches filling the junction box with an epoxy material to further protect the electronic connections in paragraph [0025].
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to fill the junction box of modified HUANG et al with an epoxy material, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints. It is well established in the art for epoxy to harden, providing the desired protection, rendering a rigid insert forming a portion of the box. To be clear, the claim does not require a particular quantified amount of rigidity, therefore it is the further interpretation of the examiner that some degree of rigidity is obviously and necessarily achieved via the use of the epoxy filling.
Regarding claim 6, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-wire solder joints.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in modified HUANG et al. LI further teaches a wire (241/242, interpreted to read on a termination) from the solar panel (210) soldered to an output cable (wire, interpreted to read on a termination cable) (271/272) via soldering joint (251/252), as detailed in paragraph [0023], forming wire-to-wire solder joints of the solar cell terminations. Moreover, junction box (230) is mechanically coupled to the wire-to-wire solder joint (241/242/251/252/271/272) via the opening in the junction box (228). Paragraph [0009] teaches the use of the junction box orientation to protect the electrical connections therein.
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to mechanically and electrically couple the junction box to the electrical connections of modified HUANG et al, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints.
Claim(s) 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al and PAO (US PG PUB 2019/0372517).
Regarding claim 7, modified HUANG et al is silent to the use of a potting compound disposed within said one or more junction boxes.
PAO teaches a junction box (12) present on a solar module (100), just as in HUANG et al, as shown in figure 1. PAO further teaches the addition of a pottant material within the inner cavity of the box to provide protection from moisture, corrosive agents and vibration (see paragraph [0032]).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to fill the junction box of modified HUANG et al with the pottant material of PAO so as to provide protection from moisture, corrosive agents and vibration.
Claim(s) 8, 9 and 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al and SHERWOOD et al (US PG PUB 2020/0389119).
Regarding claims 8 and 9, HUANG et al teaches a solar module (figure 7) comprising:
a solar panel (components 1-6/111/121/103/130) including at least one solar cell (10a/10b);
a frame (160); and
a damper (“waterproof rubber material” coating on 130, last sentence of the 1st full paragraph of page 5) disposed between the solar panel (1-6/111/121/103) and the frame (160) (disposal orientation see figure 7), said damper (backside coating of 130) forming at least a portion of one or more junction boxes (150) (wherein figure 7 shows the junction box to be disposed on and against the back side of layer 130, forming an edge of the junction box), said junction box(es) (150) housing terminations (112a/122b and the associated polarity components shown as + and – in the box 150) of said solar panel (from 111a/121b).
The rubber coating of said damper (coating on 130), while disclosed to be rubber, teaches the use of thermoplastic material as said layer (final sentence of the 1st full paragraph of page 5, which will not function to absorb mechanical force. This same citation does teach the coating to protect “from mechanical force” but is silent to the layer being adapted to dampen, or otherwise absorb energy from, a force and the use of the module within a vehicle.
DUPUIS et al teaches a solar cell comprising a junction box (paragraph [0068]), just as in HUANG et al. Moreover, DUPUIS et al teaches the use of an anti-vibrational device (paragraph [0010]) present relative to the module which can dampen or protect the device from the impact of vibration (paragraph [0004]). Of note, vibration is interpreted to read on mechanical force. The use of a visco-elastic material allows for dampening the vibration (paragraph [0016]).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the anti-vibration layer of DUPUIS et al, as the protective coating of HUANG et al to mitigate and protect the device from mechanical impact. By utilizing the damper/anti-vibration layer of DUPUIS et al for the damper/mechanical stress protective layer of HUANG et al, the same beneficial protection is realized with the benefit of force absorption. Moreover, the anti-vibration layer is made of viscoelastic materials (paragraph [0016], DUPUIS et al), just as in the instant application’s claim 2. The use of the same material is interpreted to provide the same functionality. Moreover, the fulfillment of the claimed functionality is interpreted to be inherent to the material of use as the characteristics of materials are inseparable from the materials themselves. Therefore, when the structure recited in the reference is substantially identical to that of the claims, claimed properties or functions are presumed to be inherent. The Courts have held that it is well settled that where there is a reason to believe that a functional characteristic would be inherent in the prior art, the burden of proof then shifts to the applicant to provide objective evidence to the contrary. See In re Schreiber, 128 F.3d at 1478, 44 USPQ2d at 1478, 44 USPQ2d at 1432 (Fed. Cir. 1997) (see MPEP § 2112.01, I.). In addition, the use of the anti-vibration layer to damped the impact of the wind (paragraph [0017] also fulfills the claim, providing a layer capable of dampen or otherwise absorb energy from an impact force. For at least these reasons, the instant structure of modified DUPUIS et al teaches this final limitation.
While HUANG et al teaches the use of a solar module for power generation successful when subjected to environmental disturbances (last sentence of the first full paragraph of page 5), modified HUANG et al is silent to the panel being part of a vehicle.
SHERWOOD et al teaches the use of a solar panel in figures 2 and 3, just as in HUANG et al. SHERWOOD et al further teaches the use of a panel within a vehicle, including the roof of a vehicle, as shown in figure 1. Paragraph [0018]-[0019] detail the use of solar panels for power generation to power parts of the vehicle.
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the panel of HUANG et al within the vehicle of SHERWOOD et al so as to allow for power generation to be used onsite in parts of a vehicle, while still benefiting from the protective features of the panel of HUANG et al.
Regarding claim 11, modified HUANG et al teaches damper constrains flexing of said solar cells below the damage threshold of said solar cells (Paragraph [0053] of DUPUIS et al teaches the presence of vibration on the module. The damper imparts a stiffness as detailed in paragraph [0055]. It is the position of the examiner the damper of modified HUANG et al (explicitly the damper of DUPUIS et al) is capable of and does provide constraint of flexing based on the vibrational impact which is below the damage threshold, fulfilling the claim as written. Moreover, the use of the same materials (viscoelastic, instant claim 9, paragraph [0016] of DUPUIS et al) in the same use or situation as in modified HUANG et al as in the instant will provide the same functionality inherent to the structure and material as these properties are of the material.).
Claim(s) 10, 12, and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al, SHERWOOD et al and LI.
Regarding claim 10, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-wire solder joints.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in modified HUANG et al. LI further teaches a wire (241/242, interpreted to read on a termination) from the solar panel (210) soldered to an output cable (wire, interpreted to read on a termination cable) (271/272) via soldering joint (251/252), as detailed in paragraph [0023], forming wire-to-wire solder joints of the solar cell terminations. Moreover, junction box (230) is mechanically coupled to the wire-to-wire solder joint (241/242/251/252/271/272) via the opening in the junction box (228). Paragraph [0009] teaches the use of the junction box orientation to protect the electrical connections therein.
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to mechanically and electrically couple the junction box to the electrical connections of modified HUANG et al, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints.
Regarding claim 12, while HUANG et al teaches the use of a junction box, HUANG et al is silent to the module comprising a rigid insert forming at least another portion of said one or more junction boxes.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in HUANG et al. LI further teaches filling the junction box with an epoxy material to further protect the electronic connections in paragraph [0025].
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to fill the junction box of DUPUIS et al with an epoxy material, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints. It is well established in the art for epoxy to harden, providing the desired protection, rendering a rigid insert forming a portion of the box. To be clear, the claim does not require a particular quantified amount of rigidity, therefore it is the further interpretation of the examiner that some degree of rigidity is obviously and necessarily achieved via the use of the epoxy filling.
Regarding claim 13, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-wire solder joints.
LI teaches a photovoltaic module comprising a junction box, just as in modified HUANG et al. LI further teaches a wire (241/242, interpreted to read on a termination) from the solar panel (210) soldered to an output cable (wire, interpreted to read on a termination cable) (271/272) via soldering joint (251/252), as detailed in paragraph [0023], forming wire-to-wire solder joints of the solar cell terminations. Moreover, junction box (230) is mechanically coupled to the wire-to-wire solder joint (241/242/251/252/271/272) via the opening in the junction box (228). Paragraph [0009] teaches the use of the junction box orientation to protect the electrical connections therein.
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to mechanically and electrically couple the junction box to the electrical connections of modified HUANG et al, as in LI, so as to ensure protection to the soldered joints.
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al, SHERWOOD et al and PAO (US PG PUB 2019/0372517).
Regarding claim 14, modified HUANG et al is silent to the use of a potting compound disposed within said one or more junction boxes.
PAO teaches a junction box (12) present on a solar module (100), just as in modified HUANG et al, as shown in figure 1. PAO further teaches the addition of a pottant material within the inner cavity of the box to provide protection from moisture, corrosive agents and vibration (see paragraph [0032]).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to fill the junction box of modified HUANG et al with the pottant material of PAO so as to provide protection from moisture, corrosive agents and vibration.
Claim(s) 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al and MASUMOTO et al (KR20120021167A, wherein an English machine translation is cited herein).
Regarding claim 15, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-board solder joints.
MASUMOTO et al teaches a junction box for attachment to the terminations of a solar panel (output terminal are interpreted as the terminations, see Technical Field), just as in HUANG et al. MASUMOTO et al further teaches the connection of the terminations (3, output cable (interpreted as wire) to a board (6, terminal board) (see figure 3) via soldering (paragraph 2, Embodiment of the Invention), rendering mechanical connection to the box (see figure 5) and a “wire-to-board solder joint”. Moreover, the terminations is also connected to an external cable (4, power cable/terminal cable of the instant claim) via soldering (paragraph 3, Embodiment of the invention). The use of this electrical connectivity enables extraction from the power generated in the solar cell to an external use (see paragraph 3, Embodiment of the Invention).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the connectivity structure of MASUMOTO et al, within the junction box of modified HUANG et al so as to enable extraction of the power from the solar cell in an effective way.
Claim(s) 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al, LI and MASUMOTO et al.
Regarding claim 16, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-board solder joints.
MASUMOTO et al teaches a junction box for attachment to the terminations of a solar panel (output terminal are interpreted as the terminations, see Technical Field), just as in HUANG et al. MASUMOTO et al further teaches the connection of the terminations (3, output cable (interpreted as wire) to a board (6, terminal board) (see figure 3) via soldering (paragraph 2, Embodiment of the Invention), rendering mechanical connection to the box (see figure 5) and a “wire-to-board solder joint”. Moreover, the terminations is also connected to an external cable (4, power cable/terminal cable of the instant claim) via soldering (paragraph 3, Embodiment of the invention). The use of this electrical connectivity enables extraction from the power generated in the solar cell to an external use (see paragraph 3, Embodiment of the Invention).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the connectivity structure of MASUMOTO et al, within the junction box of modified HUANG et al so as to enable extraction of the power from the solar cell in an effective way.
Claim(s) 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al, SHERWOOD et al and MASUMOTO et al.
Regarding claim 17, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-board solder joints.
MASUMOTO et al teaches a junction box for attachment to the terminations of a solar panel (output terminal are interpreted as the terminations, see Technical Field), just as in HUANG et al. MASUMOTO et al further teaches the connection of the terminations (3, output cable (interpreted as wire) to a board (6, terminal board) (see figure 3) via soldering (paragraph 2, Embodiment of the Invention), rendering mechanical connection to the box (see figure 5) and a “wire-to-board solder joint”. Moreover, the terminations is also connected to an external cable (4, power cable/terminal cable of the instant claim) via soldering (paragraph 3, Embodiment of the invention). The use of this electrical connectivity enables extraction from the power generated in the solar cell to an external use (see paragraph 3, Embodiment of the Invention).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the connectivity structure of MASUMOTO et al, within the junction box of modified HUANG et al so as to enable extraction of the power from the solar cell in an effective way.
Claim(s) 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HUANG et al, in view of DUPUIS et al, SHERWOOD et al, LI and MASUMOTO et al.
Regarding claim 18, while the junction box of HUANG et al will hold the electrical connections (see figure 7), modified HUANG et al is silent to a termination cable is mechanically coupled to each of said one or more junction boxes and electrically coupled to said terminations by one or more wire-to-board solder joints.
MASUMOTO et al teaches a junction box for attachment to the terminations of a solar panel (output terminal are interpreted as the terminations, see Technical Field), just as in HUANG et al. MASUMOTO et al further teaches the connection of the terminations (3, output cable (interpreted as wire) to a board (6, terminal board) (see figure 3) via soldering (paragraph 2, Embodiment of the Invention), rendering mechanical connection to the box (see figure 5) and a “wire-to-board solder joint”. Moreover, the terminations is also connected to an external cable (4, power cable/terminal cable of the instant claim) via soldering (paragraph 3, Embodiment of the invention). The use of this electrical connectivity enables extraction from the power generated in the solar cell to an external use (see paragraph 3, Embodiment of the Invention).
At the time of filing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the connectivity structure of MASUMOTO et al, within the junction box of modified HUANG et al so as to enable extraction of the power from the solar cell in an effective way.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1, 8 and their dependents have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on the combination of references applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
US Patent 6,653,553 is relevant to the use of a backsheet of absorbent foam to form a junction box.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KOURTNEY SALZMAN CARLSON whose telephone number is (571)270-5117. The examiner can normally be reached 9AM-3PM EST M-F.
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/KOURTNEY R S CARLSON/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1721 2/2/2026