Solar Cell Wireless Charging Station With Tuned LED Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with solar cells face inconsistent and unreliable charging due to ambient light limitations, necessitating the use of traditional wired charging for rapid charging, which complicates water-proofing by requiring metal coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging device that converts wall power into light energy tuned to the spectral response of solar cells, allowing for efficient charging regardless of ambient light availability, eliminating the need for metal contacts and enabling water-proof design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar charging is used with ambient light, then wireless charging capability is provided, but charging reliability and consistency deteriorate due to insufficient light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary light source (LED or laser) that acts as a mediator between wall power and the solar cell. This intermediary converts electrical energy to optical energy, which then drives the solar cell to generate electrical current, bypassing the limitation of ambient light intensity while maintaining wireless charging through the solar cell interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of light input to the solar cell by using an artificial light source with controlled intensity and spectral characteristics. The light source can be tuned to match the solar cell's spectral response, and its intensity can be adjusted to provide sufficient power for rapid charging, transforming the charging system from ambient-light-dependent to controllable artificial light-driven.
2Productivity
If wired charging is used for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to metal coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based wired charging system with an optical-based wireless charging system. Instead of using metal electrodes and physical plugging, the system uses light energy to drive the solar cell, eliminating mechanical coupling mechanisms while achieving comparable charging speeds through optical energy conversion.
3Reliability
If metal coupling mechanisms are used for wired charging, then power transfer is reliable, but water-proofing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the metal-based electrical contact system with an optical system that requires no physical penetration of the device housing. The solar cell receives light energy through the housing surface, eliminating the need for metal electrodes and associated sealing complexities, thereby enabling effective water-proofing while maintaining reliable power transfer.
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 reliable and consistent charging speeds comparable to wired charging, making wireless charging a viable alternative, and facilitates water-proofing by eliminating the need for metal contacts on the device housing.
Implementation Method 1
the light source includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) composed of the same or similar material with the solar cells on a receiving mobile device
Implementation Method 2
The solar cell is operable to convert the light beam to electricity for storage in a rechargeable battery of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device configured to charge a mobile device through the solar cells integrated on the mobile device. The charging device converts wall power to light energy which can be absorbed by the solar cells and then converted to electricity for storage in the rechargeable battery of the mobile device. The charging device includes a light source configured to emit a light beam having a spectrum tuned to the spectral response of the solar cells. The charging device includes a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of a mobile device within the charging device housing and responsively signaling the activation of the light source. The charging device includes logic for wirelessly communicating with the mobile device as well as controlling the charging process in various stages and aspects. The light source may be LEDs that also serve to transmit light communication signals to the mobile device.