Self-Powered Sensor Integrating Solar Cell and Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental sensors require separate batteries for power, leading to inconvenience and increased size and cost, as well as the need for battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered sensor is developed, integrating a solar cell and a sensor in a single structure, where multiple layers emit and receive light across different infrared wavelength bands, with connectors transferring generated current or power, eliminating the need for a separate battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a separate battery is used to power the environmental sensor, then the sensor can operate continuously, but the device size increases and requires periodic battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar cell and sensor into a single integrated structure where the solar cell serves as both the power source and part of the sensing system. The solar cell absorbs light to generate electrical energy while also functioning as the detection target for reflected light analysis, eliminating the need for separate battery and sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical power through photovoltaic effect, serves as the light absorption target for sensing, and its reflected light properties provide information about the surrounding environment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating separate components while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Reliability
If a separate battery is used to power the environmental sensor, then the sensor can function properly, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power generation function and sensing function into a single solar cell structure, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall production costs while maintaining reliable sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell's ability to perform both power generation and sensing functions simultaneously reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity. This multi-functional approach lowers material costs, assembly costs, and maintenance costs compared to systems requiring separate batteries and sensors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a separate battery is used to power the environmental sensor, then the sensor can operate, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply function directly into the sensor structure by using the solar cell as both the energy source and the sensing element. This eliminates the need for separate battery compartments and wiring, significantly reducing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell serves dual purposes as both power generator and sensing target, eliminating the need for separate battery and sensor components. This multi-functionality reduces the device to its essential functional elements, minimizing overall size while maintaining full operational capability.
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 self-powered sensor reduces size and cost, eliminates battery replacement issues, and enables continuous operation by harnessing solar power to detect gases or components without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
at least one second layer receiving light and generating a current
Implementation Method 2
at least one first layer emitting light in a preset wavelength band by receiving power from an outside
Implementation Method 3
Infrared (IR) wavelength bands are mainly used to detect various gases or components. The environmental sensor emits an infrared wavelength band of light and measures the quantity of reflected light, thereby detecting the presence or concentration of a specific component.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a self-powered sensor comprises at least one first layer emitting light in a preset wavelength band by receiving power from an outside, or receiving the emitted light reflected by an object, at least one second layer receiving light and generating a current, and a plurality of connectors each grown between two adjacent ones of the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer, the plurality of connectors transferring the generated current to the outside or transferring the power received from the outside to the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer.