Solar Cell Mounting via Nuts and Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic watches with photovoltaic cells face challenges in shock resistance due to fragile substrates and the need for complex lateral supports, which complicate assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic cell is fixed to a support plate with adhesive bonding and secured by nuts on the lower surface, allowing an electrical module with corresponding openings to be attached, eliminating the need for a lateral support and enhancing shock resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lateral support is used to hold the photovoltaic cell, then the cell is secured to the motor module, but the device complexity increases and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of photovoltaic cellVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the lateral support component entirely from the watch construction. Instead of using a lateral support to hold the photovoltaic cell, the cell is directly secured to the support plate using adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for the lateral support structure that complicated previous designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the functions of the lateral support and the securing mechanism into a single adhesive bonding process. The adhesive simultaneously bonds the photovoltaic cell to the support plate and provides the necessary mechanical securing, merging multiple functions into one simpler solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If adhesive bonding is used to fix the photovoltaic cell, then the assembly is simplified, but shock resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite approach by combining adhesive bonding with the rigid support plate structure. The adhesive provides bonding while the support plate with its recess and counterbore features provides structural reinforcement, creating a composite joint that maintains shock resistance while simplifying assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate design includes a recess and counterbore that are positioned beforehand to receive and accommodate the photovoltaic cell during shock events. These pre-positioned structural features cushion and absorb shock forces before they can damage the adhesive bond or the cell itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the photovoltaic cell is mounted under the watch crystal, then solar energy can be captured, but the fragile substrate is exposed to stresses during assembly and use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy captureVSAvoidsubstrate stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate acts as an intermediary between the photovoltaic cell and the watch crystal assembly. The support plate with its recess and counterbore features provides a protective interface that shields the fragile cell substrate from assembly stresses and operational loads, while still allowing the cell to capture solar energy effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the cell mounting by transitioning from direct mounting or lateral support to adhesive bonding on a support plate. This parameter change in the mounting method reduces the mechanical stresses transmitted to the fragile cell substrate while maintaining the cell's position and functionality for solar energy capture.

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 provides improved shock resistance and simplified assembly/disassembly by securing the photovoltaic cell to the electrical module without a lateral support, ensuring the components remain intact during shocks and optimizing the watch's construction.

Implementation Method 1

The cell can capture photovoltaic energy while the watch is worn. The solar energy is converted into electrical energy to power the electrical and electronic watch components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

A photovoltaic cell is fixed to the upper surface of a support plate, for example by adhesive bonding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11537084B2Electronic watch with a solar cell

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

AI summary

A timepiece movement includes a photovoltaic cell which is attached to the upper surface of a support plate, preferably by adhesive bonding. On the other side of the cell, on its lower surface, the support plate is provided with a plurality of nuts. An electrical module including a flat surface is attached to the support plate with the nuts. The module is provided with several openings whose position and dimensions correspond to those of the nuts, so that the nuts pass through the openings, allowing the flat surface of the module to be placed in contact with the support plate. The module is secured to the support plate by screws, screwed into the nuts. The connection via the nuts secures the photovoltaic cell to the electrical module and ensures shock resistance, without requiring a lateral support.