Photovoltaic Sensor Module for Battery-Free Indoor Data Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current physical data sensors require frequent battery replacements, leading to high maintenance costs and limited lifespans of less than five years, and are bulky due to the need for battery-powered designs.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained physical data sensor powered by a photovoltaic module with a flexible substrate and organic photovoltaic cells, using a polymeric material with indium-tin oxide and zinc oxide layers, and a polymer blend anode, allowing energy generation from indoor light radiation and minimizing energy consumption, with a thin design and integrated data collection and transmission capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a battery-powered design is used, then the sensor can operate independently, but the sensor requires frequent battery replacements and has a limited lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor lifespanVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system serves itself by generating its own operating energy through the photovoltaic module that converts ambient light into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery replacements and enabling continuous operation without human intervention for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical battery system is replaced with a photovoltaic energy conversion system that uses light energy to generate electricity, substituting a finite energy storage mechanism with a renewable energy generation mechanism that extends operational lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a battery-powered design is used, then the sensor can function autonomously, but the sensor becomes bulky with non-negligible dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidsensor thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulky battery compartment and associated mechanical power supply system are replaced with a thin-film photovoltaic module that converts light to electricity, dramatically reducing the sensor's volume while maintaining autonomous operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic module uses flexible thin-film technology with organic photovoltaic cells and polymer substrates, enabling the sensor to achieve a thickness between 5 mm and 10 mm while providing sufficient surface area for energy generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional photovoltaic materials are used, then the sensor can generate energy from light, but photo-generated charge losses increase and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidphotovoltaic module stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic module uses composite organic materials including polymer blends for the second interfacial layer (PEDOT:PSS), small organic molecules for the active layer, and metal oxide nanoparticles for the first interfacial layer, creating a multi-material composite structure that improves charge transfer and reduces losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes specific parameters including the thickness of the second interfacial layer (100-400 nm), the series connection configuration of photovoltaic cells, and the use of transparent conducting oxide layers to minimize resistance and maximize energy conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor lifespan, reduces maintenance, and enables thinner, more integrated designs capable of collecting and transmitting environmental data efficiently, while maintaining performance under low light conditions and minimizing photo-generated charge losses.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor only consumes very little energy and is configured to transform the light energy to which it is exposed into electrical energy that it needs to collect the physical data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240060827A1Self-contained physical data sensor operating by the energy input from a photovoltaic module

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 DRACULA TECH

AI summary

The invention relates to a physical data sensor comprising: a photovoltaic module having at least two photovoltaic cells that are interconnected in series, an electronic device configured to collect and transmit at least temperature data, the electronic device comprising a flexible printed circuit, electrical connector means connecting the photovoltaic module and the electronic device.