Solar Panel Anti-Reflection Structure for Timepiece Display Visibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panels integrated into electronic devices, such as timepieces, can cause specular reflection on the back surface of power generators, leading to overlapping image areas and uneven light density, which reduces the visibility of the display.

Innovation Solution

A solar panel configuration is implemented where a transmissive area transmits light, power generators generate electric power, and an anti-reflector is applied on the display-facing surface of the power generators to prevent light reflection, ensuring that the solar panel does not impair the visibility of the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a metal electrode layer is disposed on the back surface of power generators facing the display, then power generation efficiency is improved, but specular reflection occurs causing overlapping image areas and uneven light density

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful specular reflection from the metal electrode layer into a beneficial effect by intentionally designing the reflection to illuminate dark areas of the display. The metal electrode layer's reflective property, which originally caused overlapping images and uneven brightness, is repurposed to enhance display visibility in dark regions, thus transforming a harmful factor into a useful one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different functional requirements to different areas of the display. The display surface is divided into bright areas and dark areas, with the metal electrode layer specifically targeting the dark areas for illumination. This local differentiation allows the reflective property to be beneficial where needed (dark areas) while not interfering with the overall display function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If power generators are disposed on the display surface, then electric power generation is enhanced, but visibility of the display is reduced due to light reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the light reflection that normally reduces display visibility into a beneficial illumination source for dark areas. The metal electrode layer on the power generators reflects light that would otherwise be lost, and this reflected light specifically illuminates dark portions of the display, thereby converting a visibility-reducing factor into a visibility-enhancing feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The power generator structure is given multiple functions: it generates electric power from incident light and simultaneously acts as a reflective element to illuminate dark display areas. The metal electrode layer serves dual purposes by both enabling power generation and providing beneficial reflection, thus achieving multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between power generation and display visibility.

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

This configuration enhances the power generation efficiency of the solar panel while maintaining the visibility of the display, preventing the appearance of unnatural brightness differences and ensuring a clear display.

Implementation Method 1

a power generator (51) that generates electric power from light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an anti-reflector (515) that is provided on a display-panel-facing surface of the power generator (51) facing the display panel (41) to prevent reflection of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12349471B2Solar panel, electronic instrument, and electronic timepiece

Publication Date: 2025.07.01

AI summary

A solar panel is provided on a visible side of a display panel and includes a transmissive area, a power generator and an anti-reflector. The transmissive area transmits light. The power generator generates electric power from light. The anti-reflector is provided on a display-panel-facing surface of the power generator to prevent reflection of light on the power generator. The display-panel-facing surface of the power generator faces the display panel. The light, the reflection of which is prevented by the anti-reflector, is among light having passed through the transmissive area and been reflected by the display panel.