Flat Energy Harvester Connectors for Thin Portable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable solar cell power supplies face challenges in portability due to the separate connecting member, leading to increased size and potential loss of portability.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvester with a flat plate shape and integrated conductive connectors, including springs and terminal parts, which are unified with the energy harvesting section to reduce thickness and enhance portability while increasing contact strength and reliability of the conductive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting member is provided in the portable power supply main body as a separate body from the solar cell module, then the connection between the solar cell module and the power supply main body is simplified, but the size of the overall portable solar cell power supply increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connecting member directly into the solar cell module, merging previously separate components (solar cell module and connecting member) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for a separate connecting member in the power supply main body, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell module is designed to serve multiple functions: it generates electrical power from sunlight and simultaneously provides the connecting member for electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining ease of connection.
2Volume of moving object
If the connectors are integrated with the energy harvesting section to suppress thickness increase, then portability is improved, but the contact strength between connectors and metal foils may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes a spring that provides elastic force to maintain contact with the metal foil. This dynamic element allows the connector to adapt to variations in assembly tolerances and maintains reliable electrical contact while keeping the overall structure thin and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and contact pressure are optimized to achieve the necessary contact strength within the constrained thickness. By adjusting the elastic properties of the spring, the design achieves sufficient contact force without increasing the overall thickness of the integrated connector-energy harvesting section assembly.
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
The unified design of the energy harvester suppresses thickness increase, enhances portability, and improves the reliability of the electrical connection, preventing deformation and damage from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
the respective springs of the pair of connectors are pressed against by the metal foils of the energy harvesting section. This can increase contact strength between the springs and the metal foils
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an energy harvester having excellent portability. The energy harvester includes a flat plate-shaped energy harvesting section and a pair of connectors that are electrically conductive. The energy harvesting section includes an electricity generating region that utilizes energy in the external environment to generate electrical power and metal foils. The metal foils extend from the electricity generating region to a peripheral part of the energy harvesting section. The electrical power of the electricity generating region is supplied to the metal foils. The peripheral part includes a pair of holes that expose part of each of the metal foils. Each of the connectors includes a spring, a terminal part that is electrically connected to the spring and is connectable to an external device, and a flat plate part that overlaps with the energy harvesting section. The springs are electrically connected to the metal foils exposed via the holes.