Flexible Label Circuit With Solar Power for Battery-Free Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation systems for objects in warehouses and factories face reliability issues due to high energy consumption and battery depletion in GPS tags, requiring frequent battery replacements, which is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A label localization system using a flexible printed circuit board with a photovoltaic module and supercapacitor, powered by natural and artificial light, that triggers and suspends power supply to the communication module based on input voltage thresholds, eliminating the need for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS tags with integrated batteries are used to geolocate objects, then object position information can be obtained, but energy consumption is high and battery depletion occurs requiring frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tag is equipped with a photovoltaic module that enables it to generate its own electrical energy from ambient light. This self-powering mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacements and ensures continuous operation without human intervention, directly resolving the reliability issue caused by battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the power source from a consumable battery with limited capacity to a renewable photovoltaic power system. This parameter change in the energy supply mechanism transforms the tag from a finite-energy device to a sustainably powered device, eliminating the energy consumption limitation.
2Reliability
If batteries are regularly inspected and replaced in GPS tags, then continuous tracking reliability can be maintained, but maintenance complexity and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By equipping GPS tags with photovoltaic modules, the system eliminates the need for manual battery inspection and replacement. The tags autonomously generate their own power, transforming a complex maintenance task into a self-sustaining operation, thereby reducing device complexity and operational disruption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If analog comparator circuit with hysteresis is used to control power supply, then power consumption is optimized by suspending communication module power at low voltage, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analog comparator circuit with hysteresis implements periodic power management by switching the communication module power supply on and off based on voltage thresholds. This periodic activation strategy optimizes energy consumption by ensuring the module operates only when sufficient power is available, while the hysteresis prevents rapid switching at threshold boundaries.
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
Ensures reliable tracking of objects without battery depletion, increasing system reliability and reducing maintenance complexity, while being adaptable to varying illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible photovoltaic module assembled to the flexible printed circuit board, the flexible photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaic layer
Implementation Method 2
the printed circuit board further comprising a supercapacitor interposed between the printed circuit board electrical connection element and the label communication module
Implementation Method 3
the flexible printed circuit board comprising an analog comparator circuit between the supercapacitor and the label communication module, and exhibiting hysteresis, triggering the power supply to the tag communication module for a first input voltage, and suspending the power supply to the tag communication module for a second input voltage lower than the first input voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The label locating system comprises an anchor (5) and a flexible label (8). The flexible label includes a flexible printed circuit board (12) with a label communication module (27), which communicates with the anchor's communication module, and a flexible photovoltaic module (11) assembled to the flexible printed circuit board (12). The printed circuit board (12) includes a supercapacitor (30) interposed between a printed circuit electrical connection element (23, 25) and the label communication module (27).