Solar Cell Electrode Stacking for Compact Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with solar panels face challenges in efficiently utilizing space for connecting and fixing solar cells to circuit boards, leading to increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a solar cell, a wiring board with feeder wiring, a connector with a feeder electrode, and a fixing member that superposes and electrically connects electrodes to reduce space usage, allowing for efficient power transmission while minimizing the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If solar panels are connected and fixed to circuit board using conventional methods, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the feeder electrode, first electrode, and second electrode into a single unified component that simultaneously establishes multiple electrical connections. This merging of separate connection elements into one integrated connector reduces the total area required for connections while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity between the solar cell and circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure nests multiple electrodes within a compact configuration where the feeder electrode, first electrode, and second electrode are arranged in a nested or layered manner. This nesting approach allows multiple electrical connections to be established in a small footprint area, solving the contradiction between connection reliability and space efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are separately connected to circuit board, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate electrode connections are merged into a single connector component that provides all necessary electrical connectivities simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple separate connection operations and reduces the overall volume required for electrode connections, thereby improving device compactness while maintaining full electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to stack or layer electrodes vertically rather than spreading them out horizontally. This dimensional transition from planar to volumetric arrangement enables multiple electrical connections to be achieved within a smaller footprint, reducing device volume while ensuring comprehensive electrical connectivity.
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
This configuration ensures reliable electric power supply to the device with reduced space requirements, enhancing the compactness and efficiency of the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
Some low-power electronic devices or portable electronic devices, such as electronic watches, are provided with panel-shaped solar cells (solar panels) and operate with electric power generated by the solar cells
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electronic device (1) includes a solar cell (16, 16a), a wiring board (161, 161a), a connector (162, 162a), a first circuit (2010), a second circuit (2020) and a fixing member (23). The wiring board includes a feeder wiring (1611) connected to the solar cell. The connector is continuous with the wiring board and includes a feeder electrode (1622) electrically connected to the feeder wiring. The first circuit includes a first electrode (2011) and a first wiring (2012) continuous with the first electrode. The second circuit includes a second electrode (2021) and a second wiring (2022) continuous with the second electrode. The fixing member fixes the feeder electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode in a state in which the electrodes are superposed on top of one another, to electrically connect each one of the electrodes to another one or more of the electrodes.