Solar Panel Wiring Coat for Flexible Timepiece Power Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar panel structures for electronic devices are custom-made according to the shape and size, leading to increased time and cost in design development and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A solar panel design featuring a laminate film with extraction wirings on its surface, electrically connected to the electrodes of the solar cells, allowing for flexible and efficient power output without obstructing light incidence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional solar panel structures are custom-made according to device shape and size, then power extraction reliability is improved, but design development time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower extraction reliabilityVSAvoiddesign development time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized solar panel structure where the coat with extraction wirings can be used across different electronic devices regardless of shape and size. The solar cell, electrodes, and coat assembly form a universal module that can be adapted to various device configurations, eliminating the need for custom-designed solar panel structures for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the solar panel into distinct functional components: the solar cell with electrodes, the coat with extraction wirings, and the protective layers. This segmentation allows the extraction wiring structure to be independently designed and manufactured as a standardized component that can be universally applied to different devices, reducing design complexity and development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional solar panel structures are custom-made according to device shape and size, then power extraction reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower extraction reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized solar panel structure where the coat with extraction wirings can be used across different electronic devices regardless of shape and size. The solar cell, electrodes, and coat assembly form a universal module that can be adapted to various device configurations, eliminating the need for custom-designed solar panel structures for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the standardized solar panel structure to be scaled and configured with different dimensions, materials, and wiring arrangements to suit various device requirements. This enables cost-effective mass production of standardized components while maintaining adaptability through parameter adjustment rather than complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If extraction wirings are located on the coat surface, then power output flexibility is improved, but light incidence may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output flexibilityVSAvoidlight incidence
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the extraction wirings on the surface of the coat in a configuration that utilizes the two-dimensional surface space without blocking the three-dimensional light path to the solar cell. The wirings are arranged to extract power flexibly while maintaining optical transparency, effectively separating the electrical function from the optical path.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by designing the coat with regions of different properties: areas with extraction wirings for electrical connection and areas without wirings for optimal light transmission. This localized differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously provide power extraction flexibility and maintain high light incidence efficiency at different locations on the solar panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design simplifies and flexibly outputs power generated by solar cells, reducing manufacturing time and costs while maintaining efficient power generation.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell (71) including a power generation layer (712) and a pair of electrodes (711, 713) that sandwich the power generation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4435535A1Electronic timepiece including a solar panel and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP4435535A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4435535A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4435535A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device (1) including: a solar cell (71) including a power generation layer (712) and a pair of electrodes (711, 713) that sandwich the power generation layer; and a coat (75) that has a second face (75P) attached to at least part of a first face (71P) of the solar cell. The coat includes extraction wirings (752) that are located on the second face and electrically connected to the electrodes.