Flexible Solar Tape Node Layout for Low-Power IoT Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless IoT devices with limited power sources face operational limitations due to battery constraints, and conventional solar cell mounting configurations are often unsuitable for applications requiring integration into moving vehicles or indoor environments without compromising aerodynamics or communication functionality.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered tape node with a flexible circuit, device layer, and integrated solar panel positioned on a non-adhesive side, allowing energy generation from light exposure while maintaining flexibility and adhesive functionality, enabling power delegation between nodes in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are positioned outwardly mounted on moving vehicles, then energy generation capability is improved, but aerodynamics and structure are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell array is integrated within a cavity of the housing structure, nesting the energy generation component inside the vehicle body rather than mounting it externally. This allows the solar cells to generate energy while maintaining the vehicle's aerodynamic profile and structural integrity, as the cells are positioned within the housing cavity and receive light through strategically placed openings or transparent portions of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional external surface mounting to internal cavity integration, changing the spatial dimension where solar cells are positioned. By moving the solar cells from the external surface to an internal cavity with controlled light access, the design resolves the conflict between energy generation and aerodynamics.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are mounted on the outside of a window, then energy generation is improved, but communication functionality with objects within the building is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell array is nested within the housing cavity, positioned to face an external light source while the communication interface remains accessible from the interior space. This nested configuration allows energy generation without blocking communication pathways, as the solar cells are contained within the housing structure rather than mounted on the external window surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the solar cell array occupies one region facing external light, while communication interfaces and other electronic components are positioned in separate accessible regions. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with others, resolving the conflict between energy generation and communication functionality.
3Duration of action of moving object
If large batteries are used to extend operational runtime, then duration of action is improved, but device bulk and structural complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy generation function (solar cells) with the energy storage function (battery) within a single integrated housing structure. The solar cells continuously recharge the battery during daylight hours, extending operational runtime without requiring a larger battery capacity. This combination allows the device to maintain compact dimensions while achieving extended operational duration through renewable energy supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell array provides self-service by continuously generating energy to recharge the battery during operation, reducing the need for large initial battery capacity. The system serves itself by capturing ambient light energy and converting it to electrical energy, thereby extending operational runtime without proportionally increasing device bulk.
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 solution extends the operational runtime of IoT devices by harnessing light energy, ensuring continuous functionality in diverse environments without bulk or aesthetic compromise, and allows for efficient power management within network communications.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel has a light-receiving surface facing away from the flexible circuit and is operable to generate electrical power when light is incident on the light-receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered wireless communication device a flexible circuit, a device layer positioned adjacent to the flexible circuit and having a plurality of electronic components coupled to the flexible circuit, a flexible cover positioned over the device layer, a flexible substrate coupled with a second side of the flexible circuit, opposite the first side, by a first adhesive layer, and a solar panel positioned at a surface of the solar-powered tape node and coupling with the flexible circuit. The solar panel has a light-receiving surface facing away from the flexible circuit and is operable to generate electrical power when light is incident on the light-receiving surface. The solar-powered wireless communication device being operable to determine that power available to the solar-powered wireless communication device is below a first threshold and delegate at least one task of the solar-powered wireless communication device to another node of a network communications environment.