Multimode energy harvesting system

Abstract

The goal is to enhance the radiofrequency (RF) environment. [Solution] The harvesting tape (400) comprises a plurality of flexible layers. The plurality of flexible layers include a solar cell layer (420) configured to capture solar energy, a thermoelectric layer (428) configured to capture thermal energy, one or more piezoelectric layers (424) configured to capture mechanical energy, and an electrode layer (424) configured to capture high-frequency energy and transmit high-frequency signals. The harvesting tape also includes one or more processing units (432) located on at least one of the plurality of flexible layers. One or more processing units are configured to transmit high-frequency signals using the energy captured from the plurality of flexible layers. The harvesting tape has a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 514,230, filed on October 29, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) is an inter - network connection of physical objects such as products, packages, vehicles, buildings, etc., in which electronic components for network connection are embedded. The embedded components enable the object to detect other objects, be detected by other objects, collect data, and / or transmit data. In some examples, the embedded components may include tags or labels attached to the physical object. These tags or labels may be passive or active. The network connection function may be utilized to track the location of the physical object.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure provide an ambient energy - generating tape. The ambient energy - generating tape includes a plurality of flexible layers and one or more processing units on at least one of the plurality of flexible layers. The plurality of flexible layers includes a solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, a thermoelectric layer configured to capture thermal energy, one or more piezoelectric layers configured to capture mechanical energy, and an electrode layer configured to capture high - frequency energy and transmit a high - frequency signal. The one or more processing units are configured to transmit a high - frequency signal using the captured energy from the plurality of flexible layers. The ambient energy - generating tape has a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness.

[0004] In one embodiment, the harvesting tape also includes an energy storage device. In this embodiment, the energy storage device is optionally attached to the first end of the harvesting tape. In this embodiment, the energy storage device is optionally included on one of a plurality of flexible layers. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy storage device optionally includes a rechargeable printed battery. Further in this embodiment, the harvesting tape also includes a rectifier circuit between the plurality of flexible layers and the energy storage device.

[0005] In another example, the electrode layer includes an antenna. In this example, the harvesting tape also optionally includes a first electrode pair between the electrode layer and an energy storage device, and a second electrode pair between the electrode layer and an antenna. In yet another example, the harvesting tape also includes mounting means on the edge of the first end and on the edge of the second end opposite the first end, the mounting means being configured to bond to a surface. In this example, the harvesting tape is optionally configured to vibrate when the mounting means is bonded to a surface. In yet another example, the electrode layer is configured to capture multiband high-frequency energy.

[0006] In yet another example, the transmitted high-frequency signal is a multiband high-frequency signal. In yet another example, one or more processing units are configured to transmit a high-frequency signal that can power a set of passive identification tags. In yet another example, the harvesting tape is configured to be stored in rolls. In yet another example, multiple flexible layers are assembled directly on top of each other. In yet another example, the harvesting tape also includes one or more adhesive layers between multiple flexible layers.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a kit, which includes the energy harvesting tape described above, a plurality of passive identification tags, and a reader comprising one or more computing devices configured to detect signals emitted by the plurality of passive identification tags.

[0008] Further aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for manufacturing an energy harvesting tape. The method comprises constructing a plurality of energy harvesting layers for a flexible tape piece using one or more roll-to-roll processing techniques, wherein the plurality of energy harvesting layers include a solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, a thermoelectric layer configured to capture thermal energy, and one or more piezoelectric layers configured to capture mechanical or high-frequency energy and transmit high-frequency signals; and assembling the plurality of energy harvesting layers directly on one another to form an energy harvesting tape having length, width, and thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness.

[0009] In one embodiment, constructing one or more piezoelectric layers further includes mounting one or more processing units on the first piezoelectric layer. In another embodiment, the method also includes determining the length of the harvesting tape based on a target frequency for capture. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a functional diagram of an exemplary system comprising a multimode energy harvesting device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is a diagram illustrating various environments in which an exemplary system, as described in this disclosure, is deployed. [Figure 2] This is an illustrative diagram of a network according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a functional diagram of an exemplary network shown in Figure 2, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of a multimode energy harvesting system according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a side view of a multimode energy harvesting system according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4C] This is another side view of a multimode energy harvesting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] overview This technology relates to a multimode energy harvesting tape designed to harvest all forms of energy and enhance radiofrequency (RF) environments. The tape may be used in a tracking system that includes an identifier or other tracking device passively powered by the RF signal output by the tape. Using the tape in a tracking system means that the energy harvesting module of the passive identifier or tracking device may be simplified or have greater flexibility in terms of configuration. The size and cost of the identifier or tracking device may also be reduced.

[0012] The tracking system may include one or more tape strips, multiple passive tags, and a reader. Each passive tag may be attached to the item being tracked, such as a package. One or more tape strips may be attached to the environment for the item, such as the interior wall of a delivery truck or warehouse. In some implementations, the tracking system may further include a central server and an application, which may be installed on one or more client devices and may access the central server. The reader may track the passive tags and transmit data to the central server over a network, and the client devices may access the central server over a network.

[0013] Each tape piece may have multiple layers that define the thickness of the tape. These layers may include a solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, a thermoelectric layer for capturing thermal energy through a temperature gradient, one or more piezoelectric layers for capturing mechanical energy (vibration), and / or one or more electrode layers for capturing high-frequency energy. The one or more electrode layers may include one or more electrodes, radiofrequency complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (RF CMOS), diodes, and / or piezoelectric components. In some configurations, the one or more electrode layers may include one or more integrated circuit layers. In some cases, a given tape piece may have a single layer configured as two or more types of layers (solar cell, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, or electrode). The captured high-frequency energy may be multiband high-frequency energy. At least one of the multiple layers may also include one or more capacitors or energy storage devices such as rechargeable printed cells. One of the aforementioned layers may also include one or more antennas and one or more processing units configured to receive energy captured by the multiple layers, rectify the energy, store the energy, and / or output an RF signal. To capture multiband high-frequency energy, the antennas may include one or more multiband antennas. In some implementations, the layer containing the antennas and one or more processing units may also be one of the electrode layers. In other implementations, the layer containing the antennas and one or more processing units may also be one of the photovoltaic layer, thermoelectric layer, or piezoelectric layer.

[0014] One or more of these layers may be manufactured using one or more techniques from roll-to-roll (R2R) processing. The manufacturing process for each layer may include steps related to the deposition, imprinting, and etching of insulating, conductive, piezoelectric, and / or thermoelectric materials. These layers may be assembled together using adhesive or the like so that one layer directly overlaps another to form a tape piece. Installing the tape piece may include adhering the first and second ends of the tape to a surface such as the side of a delivery truck or the wall of a warehouse.

[0015] The multimode energy harvesting tapes described herein enhance the usefulness of passive tracking devices. Since some of the energy harvesting functions of passive identifiers can be removed, the form and function of passive identifiers become more flexible. By collecting two or more types of energy, the tapes can enhance the high-frequency environment to provide more consistent power to passive identifiers, thereby increasing discoverability and improving tracking.

[0016] Exemplary System Figures 1A and 1B are functional diagrams and illustrations of a tracking system 100 used in various environments. The tracking system 100 may include one or more multimode energy harvesters 102, such as one or more tape pieces, a plurality of passive tags 104 (such as identifier chips), and a reader 106. Each passive tag may be attached to an item to be tracked, such as a package. One or more multimode energy harvesters 102 may be configured to capture or harvest energy from sources in those environments. For example, the sources may include, among other things, a light energy source 108, a vibration energy source 110, or a thermal energy source 112.

[0017] One or more multimode energy harvesting devices 102 may be installed in an area where items with passive tags are being tracked. For example, the tape strips 102 may be installed on the interior walls of a building 120, on the surface of a transport vehicle 122 inside the building, inside a delivery truck 124, on the surface of a pallet 126, or on the exterior surface of a package 128. As shown in Figure 1B, the tape strips 102a and 102b may be installed in a warehouse 120a, which includes a light source 130 and a forklift 122a. The tape strip 102a may be attached to the forklift 122a, and the tape strip 102b may be attached to the interior wall of the warehouse 120a. Because the tape strip 102a is on the forklift 122a, it can receive light energy when light from the light source 130 reaches the tape strip 102a, as well as vibration energy from the movement of the forklift 122a. Since tape piece 102b is on the wall, it can receive light energy from the light source 130 and can receive light energy more directly than tape piece 102a. Tape piece 102c may be installed on the inner wall of the delivery truck 124. Tape piece 102c can receive vibrational energy from inside the delivery truck due to the movement of the delivery truck 124. Tape pieces 102d and 102e may be installed on the pallet 126. When the pallet 126 is moving on a forklift 122a or the delivery truck 124, tape pieces 102d and 102e can receive vibrational energy. When the pallet 126 is located outdoors, such as on an airport apron, tape pieces 102d and 102e can receive light energy from the sun 132 or other nearby light sources, as well as thermal energy from the temperature gradient caused by the sun 132. Tape pieces 102f and 102g may be installed in hospital 120b, which includes luggage 128, a light source 130, and a wheelchair 122b. Tape piece 102f may be attached to wheelchair 122b, and tape piece 102g may be attached to the inner wall of hospital 120b. Because tape piece 102f is on wheelchair 122b, it can receive light energy when light from light source 130 reaches tape piece 102f, and can also receive vibrational energy from the movement of wheelchair 122b.Since tape piece 102g is located on the wall, it can receive light energy from the light source 130 and can receive light energy more directly than tape piece 102f. In some examples, tape pieces 102b and 102g may be placed on the wall near a heating or cooling vent that forms a temperature gradient on tape pieces 102b and 102g to allow for the capture of thermal energy.

[0018] After capturing energy from these environments, one or more multimode energy harvesters 102 may transmit RF signals to the environment for multiple passive tags 104. The signals may be in a specific bandwidth capable of powering multiple passive tags 104, thereby adding available power to multiple passive tags 104 in the environment. Once powered, multiple passive tags 104 may emit signals indicating their respective locations. A reader 106 may be a computing device configured to detect signals emitted by multiple passive tags 104, and then store and / or transmit data related to the locations of the detected tags. The reader 106 may include one or more processors 114, memory 116, and other components typically found in a general-purpose computing device.

[0019] One or more processors 114 may be any conventional processor such as a commercially available CPU. Alternatively, one or more processors may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Although FIG. 1 functionally shows the processor(s), memory, and other elements of reader 106 as being within the same block, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a processor, computing device, or memory may actually include multiple processors, computing devices, or memories that may or may not be housed within the same physical enclosure. For example, the memory may be a hard drive or other storage medium located in an enclosure different from that of reader 106. Thus, reference to a processor or computing device is understood to include reference to a collection of processors or computing devices or memories that may or may not operate in parallel.

[0020] Memory 116 stores information accessible by one or more processors 114, and that information includes data 117 and instructions 118 that may be executed or otherwise used by the processor(s) 114. Memory 116 may be any type of memory capable of storing information accessible by a processor(s), including computer-readable media, or hard drives, memory cards, ROM, RAM, DVDs, or other optical disks, and other media capable of storing data readable using an electronic device such as other writeable and read-only memories. The system and method may include different combinations of the foregoing, whereby different portions of instructions and data are stored on different types of media.

[0021] Data 117 may be retrieved, stored, or modified by a processor(s) 114 according to an instruction 118. For example, although the subject matter of the claims is not limited to any particular data structure, the data may be stored in a register of a computing device, in a relational database as a table having multiple different fields and records, in an XML document, or in a flat file. This data may be formatted in any computer-readable format.

[0022] Instruction 118 may be any set of instructions that are executed directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as a script) by a processor. For example, the instructions may be stored as computer code on a computer-readable medium. In this regard, the terms "instruction" and "program" may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in object code format for direct processing by a processor, or in any other computer language that includes a script or set of independent source code modules that are interpreted upon request or pre-compiled. The functions, methods, and routines of the instructions will be described in more detail below.

[0023] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are respectively a pictorial and a functional diagram of an exemplary system 200 that includes a plurality of computing devices 210, 220, 230, 240 and a memory system 250 connected via a network 260. System 200 also includes passive tags 104a, 104b and a reader 106. For simplicity, only some of the tags and computing devices are illustrated, but a typical system can include many more than this.

[0024] In some implementations, the tracking system 100 may further include a central server, such as one or more server computing devices 210, and applications that may be installed on one or more client computing devices 220, 230, 240 and can access the central server 210. After detecting the location of the passive tag 104, the reader 106 can transmit location data to the central server 210 via the network 260. The client computing devices 220, 230, 240 can access the location data on the central server 210 via the network 260.

[0025] Using client computers, users such as users 222, 232, and 242 can view location data on displays such as displays 224, 234, and 244 of computers 220, 230, and 240. As shown in Figure 3, each client computer 220, 230, and 240 may be a personal computer intended for use by users 222, 232, and 242, and may have all the components commonly used in relation to a personal computer, including one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit, CPU), memory for storing data and instructions (e.g., RAM and an internal hard drive), displays 224, 234, and 244 (e.g., a monitor with a screen, a touchscreen, a projector, a television, or other device operable to display information), and user input devices 226, 236, and 246 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, or a microphone). The client computers may also include speakers, network interface devices, and all components used to connect these elements to each other.

[0026] Client computers 220, 230, and 240 may each include a full-size personal computer, or alternatively, a mobile computer capable of wirelessly exchanging data with a server over a network such as the Internet. For illustrative purposes only, client computer 220 may be a mobile phone, or a wireless-enabled PDA, tablet PC, wearable computer or system, or a netbook capable of acquiring information over the Internet or other networks. In another example, client computer 230 may be a wearable computing system, as shown in Figure 2 as a wristwatch. In one embodiment, the user may input information using a small keyboard, keypad, microphone, visual signals using a camera, or a touchscreen.

[0027] One or more multimode energy harvesting devices 102 may include one or more tape pieces, which may be configured as shown in Figures 4A to 4C and as discussed herein. As shown in Figure 4A, each tape piece 400 may have a first end 402, a second end 404, a length 406 between the first and second ends, a width 408, and a thickness 410. The length 406 of the tape piece is longer than the width 408. The length 406 of the tape piece may be determined based on the frequency band to be captured. For example, the frequency band may include 60 Hz for inductive coupling, or it may be in a high frequency range for high frequency capture. In some implementations, the length 406 may be determined based on the size of the target area of ​​the semiconductor to be exposed to light to generate current. The thickness 410 of the tape is smaller than the length 406 and the width 408. For example, the length 406 may be 100 cm, the width 408 may be 15 cm, and the thickness 410 may be 1 mm or about 1 mm. In other examples, the thickness 410 may be greater than or less than 1 mm. In addition, the thickness of the piezoelectric material within a given tape piece may be selected to provide the bending stiffness necessary to vibrate the tape piece at a target resonant frequency, given the length of the tape piece. The tape piece 400 may be a conventional rectangular shape or of a different type. The material of the tape piece may be flexible and thin. Other tape pieces may have different dimensions, shapes, or materials.

[0028] Each tape piece 400 may have multiple layers defining the tape thickness 410. Each of the multiple layers may be less than 500 micrometers thick. The multiple layers may be configured to capture a wide variety of electromagnetic radiation, including high-frequency wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, optical (visible) wavelengths, ultraviolet wavelengths, X-ray wavelengths, or gamma wavelengths. Different layers may be configured to capture different ranges of electromagnetic radiation. For example, one layer may capture one or more bands of high-frequency wavelengths, another layer may capture visible wavelengths, and yet another layer may capture gamma wavelengths. Alternatively, a single layer may be configured to capture wavelengths within two or more categories of electromagnetic radiation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4B, the layers may include a first layer 420 configured as a solar cell layer for capturing solar energy, a second layer 424 configured as both a piezoelectric layer for capturing mechanical energy (vibration) and / or an electrode layer for capturing high-frequency energy, and a third layer 428 configured as a thermoelectric layer for capturing thermal energy. Each of the layers shown in Figure 4B may be approximately 100 to 200 micrometers in size. One or more additional layers may be included to capture more energy, which may be the same or different types of energy as the other layers. In an alternative example, there may be separate layers for the piezoelectric layer and the electrode layer. Adhesive layers may be present between the energy capture layers. For example, adhesive layer 422 may be between the solar cell layer 420 and the piezoelectric / electrode layer 424, and adhesive layer 426 may be between the piezoelectric / electrode layer 424 and the thermoelectric layer 428. As shown in Figure 4A, one of the aforementioned layers, such as the solar cell layer 420, may include an antenna 430 and one or more processing units 432 for outputting high-frequency signals. In an alternative example, the antenna 430 and / or one or more processing units 432 may be included in the piezoelectric layer / electrode layer 424 or the thermoelectric layer 428.

[0030] At least one of the layers may be fitted with one or more energy storage devices, such as capacitors or rechargeable printed batteries. In some examples, the energy storage devices may be fitted to multiple layers near the first and / or second ends, for example, via electrodes. The connection between the energy storage device and one or more of the layers may include a rectifier circuit for rectifying the input signal. The rectifier element may be fabricated by printing a semiconductor / metal or semiconductor / metal junction on a given layer, or a rectifier chiplet mounted on a silicon chip may be fitted to a given layer. The rectifier circuit may be configured to shield the impedances of electrical energy coming from different layers or different sources on each layer from each other, thereby allowing charge to flow only toward the energy storage device. The shielding function may improve the efficiency of collecting / storing energy from different sources with different impedances. For example, in the case of solar energy, diodes such as PN diodes are typically forward-biased under illumination and have low output impedance. In contrast, piezoelectric vibration generators have high output impedance. Alternatively, the active switch may be controlled by one or more processing units 432, etc., to switch between connecting different sources to the energy storage device, and the energy storage device may be configured to receive energy from one source at a time.

[0031] One or more energy storage devices may be electrically attached to the antenna in multiple layers, such as through electrodes. As shown in Figure 4B, energy storage devices 440a and 440b may be attached at or near the first end 402 and the second end 404, respectively. Each of the energy storage devices 440 may be electrically attached to the solar cell layer 420 via electrode pairs 442 and 444, one of which may be connected to the antenna 430 in the solar cell layer. In addition, each of the energy storage devices 440 may be electrically attached to the piezoelectric layer / electrode layer 424 via electrode pair 446, and to the thermoelectric layer 428 via electrode pair 448. Alternatively, the energy storage devices may be included in at least one of the multiple layers. The energy storage devices may include capacitors or batteries.

[0032] One or more processing units 432, such as an integrated circuit, may be configured to receive energy from multiple layers, which may include rectifying the energy as needed. For example, the integrated circuit may receive electrical energy generated by each electrode pair 442, 444, 446, 448 and store the received energy using an energy storage device. One or more processing units 432 may include multiple conductive traces that connect to other components of the tape piece, which may include connecting to vias that pass through the layers. The conductive traces may direct energy to one or more processing units 432 and toward an energy storage device, or they may direct energy toward an antenna 430 to transmit a signal.

[0033] In layers where the generated energy requires rectification, such as the piezoelectric layer / electrode layer 424, the electrode pair 446 can be connected to a rectification circuit to rectify the energy before storage. Alternatively, one or more processing units 432 may control one or more switches to direct energy from different sources towards the energy storage device. One or more processing units 432 may control one or more switches based on detected conditions, such as the energy level received by the layer or environmental conditions detected from the energy source related to the type of layer.

[0034] Furthermore, receiving energy from multiple layers may include summing different power (energy) modes. The method of summing different power modes may include storing the received different energies in an energy storage device such as energy storage devices 440a, 440b, or another separate device, before utilizing the stored energy to transmit signals. The configuration for summing different power modes can prevent energy stored from the first layer from leaking to the second layer.

[0035] Using the generated electrical energy, one or more processing units 432 can use the antenna 430 to transmit a signal on a specific band associated with the passive tag 104, such as 900 MHz. One or more processing units 432 can activate the antenna using electrode pairs 442 or 444 connected to the energy storage device 440. Alternatively, one or more processing units may include separate circuit components. One or more processing units 432 can begin transmitting a signal after a set of conditions are met, such as when a threshold amount of energy is received or stored. In some cases, one or more processing units 432 can select a specific band for the signal based on a target band for the tracking device, user input, or detected environmental conditions.

[0036] Each tape piece may optionally include an adhesive or another means of attachment for mounting the tape piece onto a surface. The adhesive may be applied to the outer surface of the tape piece or may be a separate adhesive layer. For example, the adhesive may be on the available surface of the thermoelectric layer 428 of the tape piece 400 opposite the adhesive layer 426. In this type of adhesive arrangement, the tape piece 400 can be installed on a surface 450 such as a wall, vehicle, pallet, or luggage, with its entire bottom surface adhered to the surface, as shown in configuration 460 of Figure 4C. Alternatively, the attachment means may be on the edges of the first and second ends of each tape piece. For example, attachment means such as clips or hooks may be located on the first end 402 and the second end 404 of the tape piece 400. In this type of mounting arrangement, the tape piece 400 can be installed on the surface 450 such that, as shown in configuration 470 in Figure 4C, the first end 402 and the second end 404 are attached to the surface 450, and the rest of the length of the tape piece 400 is not attached and is free to move or vibrate. In this example, the surface 450 may have mounting means 472, 474 configured to connect with the mounting means on the tape piece 400. The mounting means may be flexible, or otherwise may allow the tape piece 400 to bend or vibrate within a desired range.

[0037] Example of a method Next, in addition to the actions described above and shown in the diagram, various other actions will be explained. Please understand that the following actions do not necessarily need to be performed in the order described below.

[0038] Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart 500 including a method for manufacturing tape pieces according to some of the embodiments described above. The method may be carried out by one or more computing devices controlling a machine customized for the steps of the method. Although Figure 5 shows the blocks in a specific order, the order may be changed, and multiple operations may be performed simultaneously. Operations may also be added or omitted.

[0039] One or more layers of the tape piece may be manufactured using one or more techniques from the roll-to-roll (R2R) process for fabricating flexible electronic devices. In block 502, each of the multiple layers of the harvesting layer may be constructed using techniques from the R2R process to include the functions described above. Specifically, the manufacture of each harvesting layer may include carrying out the deposition, imprinting, and etching steps of the R2R process. Each harvesting layer may be manufactured to have the same or similar length based on a predetermined length of the tape piece. In some implementations, the predetermined length of the tape piece may be determined by one or more computing devices that perform the manufacturing based on an input indicating a target frequency for energy capture. In other implementations, the predetermined length of the tape piece may be determined by one or more computing devices additionally or alternatively based on an input indicating a target minimum area to which the semiconductor is exposed to light for harvesting solar energy, or an input indicating a target current amount from solar energy. In further implementations, the thickness of the piezoelectric material for the tape piece may be determined by one or more computing devices based on a target resonant frequency and the selected or determined length of the tape piece. The target resonant frequency or frequency band may be received as input to one or more computing devices, or may be determined by one or more computing devices based on inputs indicating the target flexural stiffness. In block 504, the harvesting layers may be assembled to one another using adhesive layers such that one layer directly overlaps another. For example, the solar cell layer 420 may be assembled directly onto the piezoelectric / electrode layer 424 using adhesive layer 422, and the piezoelectric / electrode layer 424 may be assembled directly onto the thermoelectric layer 428 using adhesive layer 426. The dimensions and materials of the assemblies may be based on the determinations described in block 502. The adhesive layers may be spray-coated. For some tape pieces, adhesive may be applied to a given layer before all layers are constructed in block 502. In block 506, one or more energy storage devices may be connected to the harvesting layers. One or more energy storage devices may include one or more capacitors or rechargeable printed cells.For some tape pieces, one or more energy storage devices may be constructed as part of the R2R process in block 502.

[0040] In some implementations, lengths of two or more tape pieces can be manufactured in a single process. In these implementations, the method may further include dividing the manufacturing process into multiple tape pieces in block 508. Some further implementations may include storing the multiple tape pieces in a roll in block 510, such as by arranging them end-to-end or at least slightly overlapping.

[0041] The installation of the tape piece may include one or more of the following features: The first and second ends of the tape piece may be adhered to a surface such as the side of a delivery truck or the wall of a warehouse. For greater stability, the entire length of the tape may be adhered to the surface, as shown in configuration 460 in Figure 4C. Alternatively, the length between the first and second ends of the tape piece may not be adhered to a surface, as shown in configuration 470 in Figure 4C, but may be stretched taut to allow the tape piece to vibrate. In this way, vibration energy can be captured by the piezoelectric layer of the tape piece. The tape piece may be installed in a specific orientation, such as perpendicular or parallel to the ground or the floor of a container or building. In some cases, the first end of the tape piece may be located in a warmer location, such as closer to a heat source, and the second end may be located in a colder location. Different tape pieces may be installed in different orientations.

[0042] In some alternative implementations, multiple layers may be arranged in different configurations. Therefore, alternative implementations may include positioning layers in a non-tape configuration. For example, layers may be positioned on the surface of a box or different containers. Alternatively, layers may be positioned independently of each other based on locations where different types of energy are available. Regardless of the configuration, layers may be electrically or otherwise operably coupled to one or more processing units configured to receive, store, rectify, and / or transmit the captured energy.

[0043] The multimode energy harvesting tapes described herein enhance the usefulness of passive tracking devices. Since some of the energy harvesting functions of passive identifiers can be removed, the form and function of passive identifiers become more flexible. By collecting two or more types of energy, the tapes can enhance the high-frequency environment to provide more consistent power to passive identifiers, thereby increasing detectability and improving tracking. For example, the tapes may be useful inside packaged boxes or pallets where light cannot penetrate but vibrations can still be felt during transport or other movement, when solar energy is unavailable but vibrational energy is available.

[0044] Unless otherwise specified, the aforementioned alternatives are not mutually exclusive and may be implemented in various combinations to achieve their own advantages. These and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above may be used without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, and the foregoing description of embodiments should be interpreted as illustrative rather than as an limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of embodiments described herein, and expressions such as “etc.” and “including,” should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to specific embodiments, but rather these embodiments are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

Claims

1. It is an energy harvesting tape, Multiple flexible layers, A solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, A thermoelectric layer configured to capture thermal energy, One or more piezoelectric layers configured to capture mechanical energy, A plurality of flexible layers, including an electrode layer configured to capture high-frequency energy and transmit high-frequency signals, The system comprises one or more processing units located on at least one of the plurality of flexible layers, wherein each of the processing units is configured to transmit the high-frequency signal using the captured energy from the plurality of flexible layers. The energy harvesting tape has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness.

2. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storage device.

3. The energy storage device is attached to the first end of the energy harvesting tape according to claim 2.

4. The energy storage device is included on one of the plurality of flexible layers, as described in claim 2 of the energy harvesting tape.

5. The energy storage device includes a rechargeable printed battery, as described in claim 2, for the energy harvesting tape.

6. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 2, further comprising a rectifier circuit between the plurality of flexible layers and the energy storage device.

7. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein the electrode layer includes an antenna.

8. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 7, further comprising a first electrode pair between the electrode layer and an energy storage device, and a second electrode pair between the electrode layer and the antenna.

9. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, further comprising mounting means on the edge of the first end and on the edge of the second end opposite to the first end, wherein the mounting means is configured to be bonded to the surface.

10. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 9, wherein the energy harvesting tape is configured to vibrate when the mounting means is coupled to the surface.

11. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein the electrode layer is configured to capture multiband high-frequency energy.

12. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted high-frequency signal is a multiband high-frequency signal.

13. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein one or more processing units are configured to transmit the high-frequency signal capable of supplying power to a set of passive identification tags.

14. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting tape is configured to be stored in a roll shape.

15. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible layers are assembled directly on top of each other.

16. The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, further comprising one or more adhesive layers between the plurality of flexible layers.

17. It's a kit, The energy harvesting tape according to claim 1, Multiple passive identification tags, A kit comprising: a reader including one or more computing devices configured to detect signals emitted by the plurality of passive identification tags.

18. A method for manufacturing energy harvesting tape, wherein the method is Using one or more roll-to-roll processing techniques, construct multiple energy harvesting layers for a flexible tape piece, wherein the multiple energy harvesting layers are: A solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, A thermoelectric layer configured to capture thermal energy, Constructing a plurality of energy harvesting layers, each comprising one or more piezoelectric layers configured to capture mechanical energy or high-frequency energy and transmit high-frequency signals, A manufacturing method comprising assembling the plurality of energy harvesting layers directly on top of each other to form the energy harvesting tape having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein constructing the one or more piezoelectric layers further includes attaching one or more processing units on the first piezoelectric layer.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, further comprising determining the length of the energy harvesting tape based on a target frequency for capture.

Images