Flexible Sensor Module with Nested Solar Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules require additional energy sources like chemical cells, which need periodic charging or replacement, and integrating a high-efficiency solar cell increases module size, limiting installation on curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor module with a solar cell configuration that includes a metallic electrode connecting the solar cell, sensing unit, and chemical cell, using a compound layer of group 3 and group 5 elements like gallium and arsenic, and through holes for exposure, allowing the sensing unit to measure external environment information without size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a high-efficiency solar cell is integrated into the sensor module to provide energy, then energy independence is improved, but the size of the sensor module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is positioned such that the sensing unit is located at the center and extends through the solar cell structure. The solar cell layers (compound layer, metallic electrodes, substrates) are nested around the sensing unit, allowing the sensing function to be integrated within the energy generation structure rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is configured to extend in the thickness direction of the solar cell, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than only the planar area. This allows the sensing unit to pass through the solar cell layers, effectively using the Z-axis dimension to accommodate both energy generation and sensing functions without increasing the module's footprint area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor module is designed to be flexible for installation on curved surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell employs thin film structures including a compound layer of group 3 and group 5 elements, metallic electrodes, and substrate layers that are inherently flexible. These thin film components can be bent and conform to curved surfaces without rigid structural elements, enabling flexible sensor module deployment on non-planar surfaces.
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 flexible sensor module achieves energy independence with high-efficiency solar power and compact design, enabling installation on curved surfaces while maintaining functionality in both light and no-light environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compound layer disposed on the second substrate, and configured to generate the power to be supplied to the sensing unit by receiving light
Implementation Method 2
a chemical cell disposed on the first substrate, charged by receiving a power from the solar cell
Implementation Method 3
configured to supply the power to the sensing unit and the wireless communication unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible sensor module, includes: a sensing unit formed on a first substrate so as to be exposed to the outside, and configured to measure external environment information; a solar cell disposed on the first substrate together with the sensing unit, and configured to generate a power by receiving light; a wireless communication unit disposed at one side on the first substrate, and configured to transmit the information measured by the sensing unit to an external server; and a chemical cell disposed at another side on the first substrate, charged by receiving the power from the solar cell, and configured to supply the power to the sensing unit and the wireless communication unit, wherein the solar cell includes: a compound layer disposed on the second substrate, and configured to generate the power to be supplied to the sensing unit by receiving light; and a metallic electrode formed on the compound layer.