Thin Energy Harvester Output Layout With Reverse-Current Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesters face challenges in providing an electronic component in the output section while minimizing thickness and preventing reverse flow of electrical current.
Innovation Solution
The energy harvester is designed with a power generation section and an output section, where the output section includes a first and second portion of the current collector layer connected by an electronic component sealed by a continuous sealing material, with the second conductive substrate layer not overlapping the electronic component, and uses a diode to inhibit reverse current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic component is provided in the output section to inhibit reverse flow of electrical current, then the reliability of the energy harvester is improved, but the thickness of the energy harvester increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material layer and sealing material are merged into a single continuous structure formed in one step, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall thickness while maintaining the electronic component's protective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The second conductive substrate layer is positioned in a specific spatial arrangement that does not overlap with the electronic component in the stacking direction, allowing the electronic component to be integrated without increasing the overall thickness of the energy harvester
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic component is provided in the output section, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material serves multiple functions: it seals the electronic component to prevent moisture infiltration and simultaneously maintains the structural integrity of the output section, reducing the need for additional protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector layer is divided into a first portion and a second portion that are separated and independently connected to the electronic component, allowing flexible integration of the electronic component without disrupting the overall structure
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
This configuration allows for the inclusion of an electronic component in the output section while restricting the harvester's thickness, ensuring stable operation and preventing moisture infiltration, while also improving electrical output performance and simplifying production steps.
Implementation Method 1
the power generation section converts light energy of the external environment to the electrical power
Implementation Method 2
the electronic component inhibits reverse flow of electrical current between the first portion and the second portion of the current collector layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An energy harvester includes a first conductive substrate layer (2), a current collector layer (3), a sealing material layer (4), and a second conductive substrate layer (5) in stated order. The energy harvester includes: a power generation section that includes a peripheral portion (6a) formed by the first conductive substrate layer (2), the current collector layer (3), the sealing material layer (4), and the second conductive substrate layer (5) and that converts energy of an external environment to electrical power; and an output section (7) that is disposed outside of the power generation section and that is formed by the first conductive substrate layer (2) and the current collector layer (3). The output section (7) includes a first portion (3a) of the current collector layer (3) where the electrical power from the power generation section is supplied, a second portion (3b) of the current collector layer (3) that is separated from the first portion (3a), an electronic component (8) that electrically connects the first portion (3a) and the second portion (3b), and a sealing material (9) that seals the electronic component (8).