Autonomous Data Logger Using Solar-Powered Capacitor Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biologgers used for tracking animals are heavy and uncomfortable due to the need for lithium cells and associated charging components, which add weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight biologger powered solely by capacitors and photosensitive elements, such as a photodiode array, which eliminates the need for lithium cells and their associated charging infrastructure, using an ultra-low power hardware design and adaptive software to manage energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium cells are used as primary power source, then energy storage capacity is sufficient, but device weight increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lithium cell battery from the system entirely, replacing it with a capacitor-based power system. This eliminates the heavy battery component while maintaining sufficient energy storage through the combination of capacitor and solar cell, directly resolving the contradiction between energy capacity and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental power storage parameter from chemical energy (lithium cell) to electrical energy (capacitor), and introduces solar energy as a recharge source. This parameter change enables a lightweight power system that maintains adequate energy capacity through renewable charging rather than large battery storage.
2Reliability
If lithium cells with charging components are used, then power supply is reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all complex lithium cell charging components (LDO regulators, DC/DC converters, charging management circuits) from the system. The simplified capacitor-based system requires no such complex charging infrastructure, as capacitors can be charged directly from solar cells through simple rectification, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining power reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electrochemical charging system (lithium cell with voltage regulation and charging management) with a simpler electrical charging system (capacitor with direct solar charging). This substitution eliminates multiple electronic components and simplifies the power management architecture while maintaining reliable power supply.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight design is implemented, then animal comfort improves, but energy storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary charging action through solar cells that continuously recharge the capacitor during daylight hours. This preliminary energy accumulation during the day enables the lightweight device to maintain sufficient energy capacity for nighttime operation and periods of low light, resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by implementing a renewable charging system where solar cells continuously replenish the capacitor's energy storage. This continuous charging cycle maintains adequate energy capacity in the lightweight device without requiring large initial storage, as energy is continuously supplied through solar conversion.
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 a lightweight, efficient, and comfortable biologger that can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging or replacement of batteries, minimizing environmental impact and improving animal welfare.
Implementation Method 1
At least one photosensitive element is configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical current
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for recording and storing of measurement data related to an object or living subject. The device comprises at least one sensor configured to measure data related to the object or living subject, a memory, and a controller configured to store the measured data in the memory. At least one photosensitive element is configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical current. A transceiver is configured to transmit the measured and/or stored data and to receive data signals. At least one capacitor is configured to store electrical current from the at least one photosensitive element. The controller is configured to measure the voltage of the at least one capacitor. The controller is further configured to forecast an output voltage of the at least one capacitor based on measured voltages, and the controller is configured to increase or decrease the rate of sampling and storing of the measured data in the memory and/or to increase or decrease the rate of transmitting the measured and/or stored data depending on the measured voltage or the forecasted voltage.