Integrated Photovoltaic Cell and RF Antenna Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic cell and radio-frequency antenna solutions are not flexible or compact enough for low-power transceiver systems, such as autonomous wireless sensor networks, and are not easily integrated with other electronic devices, leading to bulkiness and inefficiencies in energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photovoltaic cell and radio-frequency antenna assembly is developed, utilizing semiconductor, thin film, or organic materials with conductive layers to provide both electrical potential and RF functionality, allowing for flexible and compact designs that can be easily integrated with other devices, including those with broadband frequency capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate photovoltaic cell and antenna devices are used, then functionality is provided, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic cell and antenna into a single integrated device structure, where the antenna is formed using conductive materials deposited directly on or within the photovoltaic cell layers, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cell structure is designed to perform dual functions: generating electrical power from light and serving as an antenna for RF signal transmission and reception, thereby reducing the number of required components while maintaining both functionalities
2Ease of operation
If traditional antenna and photovoltaic cell integration is used, then both functions are provided, but flexibility and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film deposition techniques to create flexible antenna structures on flexible substrates, allowing the integrated device to be bent or conform to different shapes while maintaining both photovoltaic and antenna functions, thereby improving flexibility and compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is formed by adding conductive layers in the vertical dimension on top of the photovoltaic cell, rather than requiring lateral integration, which enables compact design while maintaining ease of fabrication through sequential layer deposition
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements are used for broadband operation, then frequency bandwidth is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves broadband operation by modifying the geometric parameters and material properties of the single antenna structure, such as adjusting the dimensions, shape, and conductive layer configuration, rather than using multiple antenna elements, thereby maintaining compact size while improving frequency bandwidth
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 integrated assembly enables compact, flexible, and efficient energy harvesting and RF communication, reducing the number of components and interconnections, thus enhancing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for applications like wireless sensor networks and wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated photovoltaic cell and radio-frequency (RF) antenna assembly for the conversion of photon energy into DC electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated photovoltaic cell and RF antenna assembly is disclosed, the assembly comprising a photovoltaic cell and at least two horizontal portions of conductive material, each of the at least two horizontal portions of conductive material being secured under the photovoltaic cell, wherein two of the at least two horizontal portions are used for providing an electrical potential difference and the RF antenna is provided using the photovoltaic cell and at least one of the at least two horizontal portions of conductive material.