Photovoltaic Cell Electrode Width and 3D Configuration for Wearable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronic devices face challenges in battery life due to the need for frequent recharging, as existing semitransparent solar panels on touchscreens reduce visibility and are aesthetically unpleasing by covering the display with discrete solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic power system with photovoltaic cells having a metal electrode width less than absorber layers, allowing for increased energy performance and optical transparency, with cells positioned around the perimeter or in patterns to minimize visibility while maintaining exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If discrete solar cells are positioned on top of the display to generate power, then energy generation capability is improved, but visibility of the display deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration by bending the substrate. This allows the solar cell to be positioned at an angle relative to the display, enabling it to capture sunlight more effectively while minimizing its visual obstruction of the display. The solar cell is bent such that its front surface forms an acute angle with the display surface, creating a dimensional change that resolves the contradiction between energy generation and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell is divided into multiple segments or sections, with at least a portion of it bent at an angle relative to the display. This segmentation allows different parts of the solar cell to serve different functions: the bent portion optimizes energy capture while the overall structure maintains display visibility. The solar cell may be divided into a first portion adjacent to the display and a second portion extending away at an angle.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells cover the display area to maximize power generation, then energy generation capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By bending the solar cell substrate to form a three-dimensional structure with acute angles relative to the display, the solar cell becomes less visually obtrusive. The angled configuration allows the solar cell to be integrated into the device housing or positioned in a way that complements the overall aesthetic design while maintaining high power generation efficiency through optimized light exposure.
3Reliability
If metal electrode width is increased to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure employs different widths for different layers: the metal electrode layer has a smaller width than the absorber layer. This local quality differentiation allows the metal electrode to provide sufficient electrical conductivity for its specific function while the wider absorber layer maintains optical transparency and light absorption capability. The absorber layer extends beyond the metal electrode edges, ensuring that light can be absorbed across a broader area without requiring proportionally wider conductive paths.
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 provides sufficient power to wearable devices while maintaining high visibility of the display and an aesthetically pleasing design by optimizing the width ratio of metal electrodes to absorber layers in photovoltaic cells, enhancing both energy efficiency and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer electrically connected to the first layer and configured to generate electrical current when exposed to electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating electrical current from at least one photovoltaic cell is described herein. The photovoltaic cell may be disposed over a display of an electronic device. The photovoltaic cell may comprise first and second conductive layers and a photovoltaic layer. The first conductive layer may be etched such that a width of the metal layer is less than a width of the photovoltaic layer providing visibility to the display disposed below. In some embodiments, a capacitive touch sensor is disposed between the metal layer and the absorber layer for providing interaction with a user.