Solar Module Interference Printing for 3D Patterns and Light Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar cell modules lack sufficient design aesthetics and face challenges in power generation efficiency when installed on walls due to excessive sunlight blocking by printed materials.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module with a printed material comprising a light transmissive base material and pattern printed layers, including first and second color pattern layers with interference pigments that generate different interference lights, and optionally a transmissive smoke-printed layer, to express a three-dimensional pattern while ensuring sunlight transmissivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional printed materials are used on solar cell modules, then design aesthetics are improved, but power generation efficiency deteriorates due to excessive sunlight blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign aestheticsVSAvoidpower generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies interference pigments that create iridescent color effects through light interference rather than traditional pigments that absorb light. This allows the printed material to display vibrant, three-dimensional patterns while maintaining high light transmissivity for solar cell power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite printed materials combining light transmissive base materials with interference pigment layers. This composite structure achieves both aesthetic patterning and functional light transmission for maintaining power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If multiple color layers are added to enhance design aesthetics, then color matching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign aestheticsVSAvoidcolor matching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference pigments naturally produce multiple colors through light interference effects when viewed from different angles, eliminating the need for multiple separate color printing layers and their associated alignment complexities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional planar color printing to three-dimensional interference patterns that create depth and color variation through the vertical structure of the pigment layers, adding a dimensional aspect that simplifies color matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances design aesthetics by expressing a three-dimensional pattern with simplified color matching and registration, and maintains power generation efficiency by allowing sufficient sunlight penetration.

Implementation Method 1

any one of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is first interference pigments of multiple colors that each generate a different first interference light, the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is second interference pigments generating a single-colored second interference light different from a color mixture shown by the plurality of first interference pigments, and the plurality of first interference lights and the second interference light are additively mixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a vapor deposition layer disposed on a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell and formed by metal vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP4708367A1Solar cell module
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP4708367A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708367A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708367A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pattern printed layer includes a first color pattern layer provided on one surface of a light transmissive base material and composed of a plurality of first color dots, and a second color pattern layer provided on the first color pattern layer and composed of a plurality of second color dots. In a printed material, each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder, each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder, any one of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is first interference pigments of multiple colors that each generate a different first interference light, the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is second interference pigments generating a single-colored second interference light different from a color mixture shown by the plurality of first interference pigments, and the plurality of first interference lights and the second interference light are additively mixed.