Solar Cell Light Modulation for Overheating Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar cells in electronic devices face damage due to excess energy conversion into heat when ambient light exceeds the device's capacity, leading to energy inefficiency and potential component degradation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a light modulating layer and a transmittance-adjustable lens controlled by a circuit to regulate light intake, adjusting the solar cell's energy input to match the device's energy demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the solar cell is exposed to strong ambient light, then the energy generation increases, but the excess energy converts to heat causing device damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generationVSAvoidheat damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A light modulating layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the ambient light and the solar cell. This layer dynamically adjusts light transmission to ensure the solar cell receives optimal light intensity for energy generation while preventing excessive energy conversion to heat, thus protecting the device from thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light modulating layer's transmittance is dynamically adjusted based on ambient light conditions. When ambient light is strong, the layer reduces transmittance to prevent overheating; when light is weaker, transmittance increases to maximize energy generation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy generation and heat damage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the solar cell receives maximum light energy, then energy generation is maximized, but the device cannot utilize excess energy beyond its upper limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generationVSAvoidexcess energy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the energy generation of the solar cell and the ambient light conditions, then provides feedback to adjust the transmittance of the light modulating layer. This feedback mechanism ensures that the solar cell receives precisely the amount of light energy it can utilize, preventing waste of excess energy while maximizing productivity within the device's energy processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameters (transmittance) of the light modulating layer based on the device's energy utilization capacity. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes the balance between energy generation and energy utilization, ensuring maximum productivity without energy waste from exceeding processing limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If no light modulation is applied, then the device structure remains simple, but the solar cell cannot adapt to varying ambient light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidlight condition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light modulating layer serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective filter against excessive light, a dynamic aperture for energy optimization, and an adaptive component for varying environmental conditions. By integrating this multi-functional layer, the device gains adaptability to different light conditions while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively manages energy intake, preventing overheating and damage by optimizing light transmission based on ambient conditions, ensuring efficient energy utilization and component protection.

Implementation Method 1

solar cells have been in widespread use in various electronic devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first light modulating layer... disposed above the solar cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight modulation:

Implementation Method 3

a transmittance-adjustable lens... controlled by a control circuit to regulate light intake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12541124B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An electronic device includes a solar cell, a light modulating module having a first light modulating layer and a first control circuit. At least a portion of the first light modulating layer is disposed on the solar cell. The first control circuit is electrically connected to the light modulating module and the solar cell. Wherein, the first control circuit is used to transmit a light modulating layer control signal to the light modulating module, so as to adjust the transmittance of the first light modulating layer thereby adjusting the energy radiated to the solar cell.